By Ryne Rickman, UT Martin Sports Information Director
MARTIN, Tenn. – Both University of Tennessee at Martin basketball teams will participate in a “Tip Off at Elam” glow event at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 28 at the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center. The function is free of charge and is sponsored by Leaders Credit Union, the UT Martin Student Government Association and Flight Crew.
Free food and t-shirts will be available for UT Martin students, who are also eligible to win AirPods, a $500 tuition scholarship, gift cards and many more prizes. All fans can take part in a meet-and-greet session for the Skyhawk women’s and men’s teams at the conclusion of the event.
Excitement is in the air for both basketball squads as the UT Martin women’s team is coming off back-to-back Ohio Valley Conference regular season championships. Head coach Kevin McMillan is in his 13th season at the helm of Skyhawk women’s hoops as the team returns seven players (two starters) from last season’s 22-win squad. UT Martin opens the season on Nov. 12 at Kansas State as part of the Preseason Women’s National Invitation Tournament.
On the men’s side, Ryan Ridder is in his first season as Skyhawk head coach as he enters the season with a 143-73 overall record as a collegiate head coach. His 2021-22 roster includes 14 newcomers as two graduates, three juniors, three sophomores and six freshmen will make their UT Martin debuts this season. The Skyhawks begin the season with a Nov. 4 home exhibition against Bethel before the regular season opener on the road at Tennessee on Nov. 9.
Season ticket packages are available for purchase. A reserved chairback seat is available for $145 or at the discounted rate of $85 for UT Martin faculty and staff. A business and industry season pass (six seats) is on sale for $600. Season tickets can be purchased by contacting Fran Spears (731-881-7207, fspears@utm.edu) or registering online at this link: https://secure.touchnet.com/C21608_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=708&SINGLESTORE=true.
Graphic courtesy of UT Martin Sports Information