• Hoops For Heroes Photo Gallery
By Ian Kayanja, OVC Communications Intern
The 2020 OVC Basketball Tournament was spectacular.
The Southeast Missouri women’s team won their first postseason tournament since 2007; their run featured an overtime buzzer beater to top Tennessee Tech, a historic shooting night against Belmont and a dominate performance against UT Martin in the final. On the men’s side of the bracket, OVC fans were treated to another Belmont and Murray State instant classic with the Bruins winning in the final seconds.
Amidst the fanfare, cheering, and celebration of the tournament, something greater happened. In between the lines and tucked before the men’s semifinal and final games, the OVC honored military veterans through the 10th annual Hoops for Heroes.
The Hoops for Heroes initiative looks to honor veterans from Ohio Valley Conference schools that have served in the military. The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) from each member institution of the OVC selects a representative and invites them to attend at the Basketball Championships over the weekend.
One of the veterans honored was Andy Kaichi from Morehead State. She viewed being selected for Hoops for Heroes as a complete shock and honor.
“I was shocked that I even got picked,” said Kaichi. “Everything has been so friendly. Everyone that I have ran into has been so warm and friendly. It almost makes me feel like I’m back in Kentucky.”
Freddie Gleaves, a Vietnam war veteran, echoed the same sentiments.
“It’s quite an honor to be accepted to do it,” said Gleaves. “I believe it is an honor from God to even get to participate in a thing like this.”
These are just two of the two of the stories found in the Hoops for Heroes initiative.
The OVC community has a plethora of heroes, and though all their stories may not be heard directly through Hoops for Heroes. Their impact on our communities, and their sacrifices for our freedom are felt throughout time. Their stories should continually be celebrated.
Below are the tenth-year anniversary Hoops for Heroes honored veterans:
Austin Peay: Zachry Martinez
Belmont: Gary Hunter
Eastern Illinois: Michael Murdock
Eastern Kentucky: Bryan Turner
Jacksonville State: William Hall
Morehead State: Andy Kaichi
Murray State: Reymart Robinson Guerrero
Southeast Missouri: Bryan Sargent
SIUE: Aaron Moore
Tennessee State: Freddie Gleaves Jr.
Tennessee Tech: Matt Finder
UT Martin: Joe Exum