Oklahoma Christian University’s men’s basketball team has joined forces with the student-run public relations firm, Eagle PR, for night of basketball and bowling in Halloween costumes.
Bowling With The Ballers is raising money for the basketball program as well as attempting to boost attendance numbers at home games, according to Kelsie Wright, senior in charge of event planning for Eagle PR.
“Basketball is one of the main sports on campus that most students come to, and we’re trying to increase student attendance at the games,” Wright said. “Recently, especially last season, there was a big drop in numbers so we’re trying to up the attendance.”
Eagle PR worked with Rob McKinzie, assistant men’s basketball coach, to organize and execute Bowling With The Ballers.
“Coach McKinzie and I have been working on this event, and he has helped a whole lot,” Wright said. “Him and I have been tag teaming with this event, and the other students on the firm have helped a lot too.”
According to McKinzie, this fundraising event will help with some expenses for the basketball program, as well as give the student body a chance to see the team in a different light.
“It’s an opportunity for the student body, community and fans to get to see a different side of the team and Coach Hays,” McKinzie said. “A lot of times you see them on campus and on the court, but this is an opportunity to see them in a different way — to just have some fun, to raise a little bit of money for the program and to mingle with the team.”
While most of the money raised will be used for general expenses for the basketball program, there are some specific costs the money will go towards.
“For our homecoming game every year, we pay for the hotel or for food or something for the visiting team, and we’re hoping to offset that cost a little bit with the fundraiser,” McKinzie said.
According to Wright, the fundraiser would also contribute to a new floor for the Payne Athletic Center.
Students who participate in Bowling With The Ballers will be entered into contests for prizes including gift cards to Starbucks and Chick-Fil-A.
Wright said she is hopeful this debut event will be successful and start a new tradition for the men’s basketball program.
“We just want people to come out, support and raise money,” Wright said. “It’s cheap and it’s going to be a really fun event. The players and coaches will be wearing costumes and we hope everyone will dress up as well.”
Bowling With The Ballers is on Friday from 7-9 p.m. at AMF Boulevard Lanes in Edmond. The cost to participate is $10 per person, or $60 per lane with six people on a lane.
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