• Hoops For Heroes Archive
For the 14th time, the Hoops For Heroes program was once again a featured part of the 2025 OVC Basketball Championships.
The Hoops For Heroes initiative began as a way to honor veterans from Ohio Valley Conference schools that have served in the military. This year the project expanded to also honor first responders that serve in our member institution communities.
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) of the OVC selects a representative and invites them to attend the OVC Basketball Championships.
The Hoops For Heroes Initiative is a great vehicle to recognize those in the OVC community who sacrifice so much for our freedom.
"It is cool just to be around fellow veterans," said EIU honoree Matt Kattenbraker (U.S. Army Veteran). "We tend to be kind of humble, but it is nice to connect with those who have served because you only understand it if you have been there."
"It made me extremely happy that the students would recognize me," said Morehead State honoree Jessica Harris, current Interim Chief of Police at Morehead State University. "I have worked for Morehead State for 14 years and been the Chief for six months. The OVC has taken amazing care of us and we have enjoyed the ball games we have seen."
Below is this year’s honored veterans:
Eastern Illinois: Mark Kattenbraker (U.S. Army Veteran)
Lindenwood: Charles E. Johnson (U.S. Army Veteran)
Little Rock: Jim Pitts (Korean War Veteran)
Morehead State: Jessica Harris (Interim Police Chief)
Southeast Missouri: Jeff Crites (Administrative Sergeant)
SIUE: Walter Chase (Air Force Veteran)
Southern Indiana: Bruno Martin (Marine Corps Veteran)
Tennessee State: Briana Salters (Senior Airman and Cadet)
Tennessee Tech: Mark Hillis (Police Department Captain)
UT Martin: Lloyd Thomas (Police Sergeant)
Western Illinois: Nick Severs (Detective) and JP McLaughlin (Sergeant)