Admirals face Racine in fundraiser for Covert H.S.
Professional basketball is coming to Covert High School Saturday when the Lake Michigan Admirals host the Racine Storm. The Admirals are the defending Midwest Champions of the Premier Basketball League.
Pastor Beverly Smith, a member of the Covert School Board, said she and Admiral Owner Chris Glisson worked together on a fund raiser about two years ago for an individual diagnosed with brain cancer.
Glisson brought in Scott Odum and his Amp 1 team to play the high school team. Amp 1 is a group of amputees touring the country to show others disabilities can be overcome and help raise money for cancer. The Amp 1 team spreads one main message, “Never Give Up”. Smith says the 2014 fund raiser recipient is doing well.
Glisson then signed Odum to a one-game contract to play for the Admirals, fulfilling his dream of being the first amputee to play in a professional basketball game.
Glisson and Smith met about Covert H.S. hosting another fund raiser for someone in the community fighting cancer. The two went before the full school board and proposed hosting a regular season game.
“This game is to get people out in Van Buren County to see this team,” according to Smith, adding, “ call it a pre-game for the cancer benefit” which she hopes will take place at the end of March or early April.
The money raised on February 6 will go toward Covert’s athletic department. “The goal is to make sure our sports teams have equipment, uniforms and meals on the road.” Smith said. Money will be used for general basketball equipment, soccer and girls volleyball. “Part of it will go to the boosters for better concession operations,” she added.
Covert H.S. is hoping for a sellout of 1200 tickets for the event. They are being sold thru the office. People can order by phone but have to pick them up. Smith said tickets will also be available at the door. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults. Tipoff is 6 PM.
The high school is located at 35323 M140 in Covert. Admiral fans in the Twin City area can get to the school by Red Arrow Hwy to Watervliet, then M 140 north or taking I 196 to the Covert exit (#13). Take CR 378 into town and turn south on M140. Either way is a short 20-25 minute drive to support a good cause.
Glisson said there will be plenty of opportunities for students and fans to get autographs and picture after the game.
Smith, who also serves as pastor at Covert Community Church, is looking forward to the game and everyone having a good time.
Lake Michigan College Update
The Lady Red Hawks wrapped up January 8-1 in conference and 18-3 overall, beating Muskegon 78-70 and Ancilla College 98-93 in overtime. LMC has two wins over the Chargers this season, both in overtime. The Red Hawks only conference loss this season has been to 12th-ranked Kalamazoo Valley (9-0, 20-1), a team they have a date with February 13 in Kalamazoo.
The men closed out January with a win over Ancilla, 77-70, but lost at home to second place Muskegon Community College, 95-84. The Red Hawks are 6-3 in conference and 16-6 overall heading into February.
