STORY: "Meet the Coaches" event to be held on Monday

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on October 22, 2016 11:24 PM

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MOUNT OLIVE -- Ready for some basketball?

Local hoops enthusiasts, particularly those who fancy the University of Mount Olive, will see some roundball action during the annual "Meet the Coaches Night" on Monday evening.

The festivities begin with a reception at 5 p.m.

Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. Trojan fans -- young and old -- will get the opportunity to dine with either their favorite coach, player or team.

"The 'Meet the Coaches' event gives us a chance to thank our donors who support UMO athletics," said Dwayne McKay, UMO director of external affairs for athletics.

"Our fans have enjoyed the time they get to spend with our coaches during the reception and dinner. It has become a very popular event."

UMO was the 2016 Conference Carolinas winner of the NCAA Division II Award of Excellence for community engagement. In 2011, it was recognized as one of the top 10 community engagement events nationwide by the NCAA.

Once the tables are cleared, the real fun begins.

A series of competitions will take place before coaches Wendy Lee (women) and Joey Higginbotham (men) unveil their respective teams for the annual Green-White exhibition games.

"Meet the Coaches is a great way for us to show appreciation to the fans of UMO athletics," said Jeff Eisen, vice president of athletics.

"Our supporters enjoy the opportunity to spend quality time with the coaches in a relaxed environment. This is our sixth year of sponsoring this event, and it has grown in popularity each year."

Sponsored by Southern Bank, the "Meet the Coaches Night" is free for UMO Trojan Club members. Admission is $15 for non-Trojan Club members, but the fee will be waived for guests who join the Trojan Club at the event.