Homecoming B-ball Challenge source of friendly campus rivalry

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Will UNC Charlotte faculty and staff members defend their title as Homecoming B-Ball Challenge champions against student opposition?  Or will students "stake their claim" to victory?

Find out at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 30, as Team Green (students) take on Team White (faculty/staff). Now an annual part of the University’s Homecoming week festivities, the B-Ball Challenge is a popular event among faculty, staff and students alike. This year’s free, friendly competition will be in Halton Arena. No tickets are required.

Attendees will enjoy a performance by Cheer Nation, popcorn and beverages and an introduction to the Homecoming Court candidates. Other additions to this year’s program include a “pep squad” for faculty, staff and students seeking an active role in the program but prefer a courtside position. Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Art Jackson will coach the faculty/staff team coach. He noted the event is an opportunity for faculty, staff and students to form and strengthen relationships.

“This game is an excellent event for bonding students with faculty/staff,” Jackson said. “It is also an opportunity for all to interact outside the classrooms and administrative offices.”

Conjuring the iconic verses of Muhammad Ali, Jackson offered the following:

Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee,

                        the students will be in anguish for more,

     when the faculty/staff run their winning record to four.

                        We do not want to brag or boast,

but we do intend to burn the students like overdone toast.

                        So come one and all this magnificent game you will want to see,

when the faculty/staff pull off this great victory.

 

SGA president and student team coach Conor Dugan agreed with Jackson about the bonding opportunity for University community members and responded with a bit of friendly competitive banter from the student side.

“It’s a new year for Charlotte,” Dugan said. “There’s no better time for the students to stick it to the faculty and staff.”