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Hoops For Heroes Photo Gallery | Hoops For Heroes Archive
For the 13th time, the Hoops For Heroes program was once again a featured part of the 2024 OVC Basketball Championships.
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) of the OVC selects a representative and invites them to attend the OVC Basketball Championships. The veteran honored is either a current student, alumni, or a parent of an active duty military member.
The Hoops for Heroes Initiative is great vehicle to recognize those in the OVC community who sacrifice so much for our freedom.
"I had a fantastic time being here and meeting my fellow brethren from the other branches of service. It is a great honor for hte OVC to do something like this and we really appreciate the recognition," said DeWitt White Jr., who was the Lindenwood representative and served 28 years in the Air Force.
"I've been here all week for the second year in a row and the fans are amazing, and the men and women on the court put on a great produce and are awesome to watch." added USI honoree Mike Wagner, who was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps and served in both Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
Alec Nichols, who also served in the Marines, the SEMO honoree added, "It was fantastic to have this opportunity and to meet people of all different walks of life and backgrounds."
Below is this year’s honored veterans:
Eastern Illinois: Todd Baughman
Lindenwood: DeWitt White Jr.
Little Rock: Bob Benning
Morehead State: Ellis Dunn
Southeast Missouri: Alec Nichols
SIUE: Mike Hamil
Southern Indiana: Mike Wagner
Tennessee State: Patricia Goldthreate
Tennessee Tech: Brent Bagley
Western Illinois: Chris Adams