Press Release from Coahoma Community College Public Relations; (662) 621-4057 - Melody Dixon
Photo: Veterans Day Game
Adrenaline. Claps. Smiles. Intensity. Reverence. Victorious. These are words that characterize last night’s basketball game against Arkansas Baptist College, a fellow historically black institution.
“There was a conversation had amongst some key individuals, between athletics and student services, that we needed to provide a better game time experience for our guests,” Coach Hankerson said. “So a committee was formed and we meet on a weekly basis to meet that agenda.”
“From the athletics side, the coaches were also involved in the process. And on this committee, we felt like the off-the-court efforts were a major key role in the success that we had last night,” Coach Hankerson continued. “From the men’s side, Coach Stringer could attest to the energy that was added to the crowd that helped the guys win in the fashion that they did. Coach Murphy also felt that her girls could feel some of the same things.”
Coahoma’s athletic director Reggie Hankerson, assistant athletic director Selina Reid and the Athletics staff chose to collaborate with Student Engagement director Karen Done, Assistant Director of Student Engagement LaShasa Griffin and Christopher Dixon, coordinator of Student Activities to bring students a one-of-a-kind student experience at this season’s basketball games.
The game, which took place in the Pinnacle, resulted in Coahoma’s first doubleheader sweep since January of 2016 with wins from both the men’s and women’s basketball teams. The Lady Tigers came out on top ending with a score of 52-31; Coahoma’s male swooshers dominated the court as well, finishing with a score of 82-61.
President Valmadge Towner dedicated the sports event to those who have served and fought for our country—veterans of the Coahoma Community College campus community as well as the Clarksdale community. During halftime of the men’s game, Coach Reggy Hankerson called all veterans and current armed service members to the court. For ‘Military Appreciation Night,’ Dr. Towner urged the fans to thank them when they encounter them. The entire building of fans then stood on their feet to honor them.
“Monday was the observance day for veterans and we also wanted to show Coahoma actually supports our veterans because we have employees as well as students who have been active in the armed forces and who have gotten out and supported Coahoma in the things that we do,” said Griffin, assistant director of Student Engagement. “So it’s always important to show that we support them.”
Activities throughout breaks and time-outs kept the momentum going. Audience members were allowed to participate in basket-shooting contests. A high-energy dance contest between a CCC student and two elementary-aged children. They took turns battling it out with acrobatic and trendy moves. The Tiger mascot made a special appearance at the 2nd home game of the season to liven up the place with quirky crowd interactions.
The committee members have decided that a theme would be attached to each of the upcoming home games. The December 3rd game against Northeast Community College will celebrate sisterhood, brotherhood and friendship in a ‘Greek and Civic Organization Night.’
“We are really working on the heels of the Achieve the Dream efforts for student success,” said Dixon, CCC coordinator of student activities. “So we figure for our students to have the best opportunity for success, we have to get support from the faculty, the staff, the community. everybody in our service areas have to come together.”
Posted By: How May I Help You NC
Tuesday, November 20th 2018 at 10:32AM
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