A NEW TRADITION CONTINUES

By Dan Nolan

MONMOUTH, Ill. – Monmouth area youth will get a little extra when they attend the Monmouth College basketball games against Lawrence University on Jan. 15.

For the second consecutive year, the Fighting Scots basketball teams, as part of the NCAA’s Take a Kid to the Game (TAKG) initiative, are encouraging adults to bring children ages 14 and under to Saturday’s contests at Glennie Gym. The women’s game tips off at 2 p.m., with the men’s action to follow.

Admission is free and fans 14 and under will have the opportunity to win prizes and to participate in a variety of halftime activities. Monmouth’s mascot, Big Red, is also scheduled to be in attendance and available to have his picture taken with fans of all ages.

“This is a great way to introduce kids to the college game and experience college basketball in person,” said Scots’ women’s coach Melissa Bittner. “You miss so much of the atmosphere of college ball if you just sit at home and watch it on TV. Our hope is that by coming to the game, kids will become interested in athletics and become more physically active and healthier. You’ll want to get there early, while we still have plenty of prizes.”

Members of Monmouth’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee will be assisting in the giveaways and activities. Last year, more than 30 youth participated in the effort.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our college community and the Monmouth community to make a connection,” said Bittner. “We do numerous community activities throughout the year, but this is specifically designed to benefit Monmouth’s youth.”