Firebirds Host Takoma Park Middle School Blue Devils at Saturday's Home Basketball Contest
WASHINGTON, DC – The University of the District of Columbia men's basketball team hosted the Takoma Park Middle School Blue Devils basketball team at its home contest vs. New York Institute of Technology on Saturday, February 11th.
The Blue Devils team, which finished 6-0 this season, was granted free admission to the UDC men's basketball game on Saturday. Then, UDC Head Men's Basketball Coach Mike Riley and UDC Head Women's Basketball Coach and former Washington Wizards and Maryland Terrapins legend, Juan Dixon, greeted Takoma Park head coach, Mike Miller and his team before and during the game. Riley's squad gave the group of eight or so eighth graders a game to remember by scoring over 100 points in a blowout victory against East Coast Conference foe NYIT. Afterwards, each member of the team received a free backpack, courtesy of UDC Athleltics.
Miller lauded the Firebirds' and the Athletic Department's effort in giving his team a great experience on Saturday.
"I've talked to a few of the guys on [Monday morning] already, and they really enjoyed the game, being able to get on the court [to shoot around at halftime], meeting the student-athletes, and getting a free backpack," Miller said.
Assistant Director of Athletics for Communication Eric Zedalis said the Takoma Park Middle School team were very enthusiastic fans.
"The whole team was very into the game from start to finish," Zedalis said. "They helped foster a great atmosphere in the UDC Sports Complex at Saturday's game, and, I'm convinced by our lopsided victory, gave our team a lift with their presence. We hope to make this an annual tradition moving forward."