Jerry Rice set to highlight MCC’s athletic scholarship banquet

(MERIDIAN) - The Meridian Community College athletic department has announced that Mississippi native and National Football League legend, Jerry Rice, will host their First Annual Athletic Scholarship Fundraiser Day on Saturday, April 26.

Rice will serve as the guest speaker for the main event, a Scholarship Banquet Saturday night. The banquet will begin at 7 p.m. and take place at the Graham Gymnasium on MCC’s campus.

Rice, originally from Crawford, MS, is a former NFL wide receiver and is regarded as one of the greatest players in NFL history. In addition to being the all-time leader in every major statistical category for wide receivers, Rice was selected to the Pro Bowl 13 times and named All-Pro 10 times in his 20 NFL seasons. He won three Super Bowl rings as a member of the San Francisco 49ers.

“The athletic department is extremely excited to have the legendary Jerry Rice to honor us with his support in our fundraising efforts,” said MCC athletic director, Hilary Allen.

“His accomplishments are known worldwide, but yet his roots are here in Mississippi.”

Rice will join the coaching staff of North Gwinnett High School of Atlanta, Georgia, for the first ever MCC Coaching Clinic at 3 p.m. on Saturday. Rice, arguably the greatest receiver in NFL history, will focus on discussing the offensive side of football, while North Gwinnett head coach, Bob Sphire, will moderate the clinic along with his coaching staff. The clinic will take place 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. in the Dulaney Room at MCC and is open to anyone with an interest in football.

“This will be a roundtable discussion format and will allow area coaches to ask questions to one of the greatest football players of all time,” added Allen.

“This will provide a once in a lifetime opportunity for coaches to talk football with a Hall of Fame player.”

Young kids, aged high school and younger, will have an exclusive opportunity to meet the NFL legendary receiver at MCC’s Kids Shoot Around. MCC’s gym will open its doors at noon on Saturday and kids will have the opportunity to shoot basketballs and hang out with Rice.

“Kids will have the chance to challenge Jerry Rice and MCC basketball players to a free-throw shooting contest,” said Allen.

Immediately following the shoot around, Rice will throw out the first pitch of the baseball game between MCC and Hinds at 2 p.m. Kids that participate in the shoot around will receive free admission into the baseball game.

For more information about the events or to save your spot at the shoot around, clinic or banquet, please contact the MCC athletic director, Hilary Allen at 601-484-8699.

Schedule

April 26, 2008



12:00 pm Kids Shoot around with Jerry Rice

(middle/high school students, MCC Gym,$20, includes lunch)

2:00 pm Jerry Rice throws out first pitch for MCC baseball game

3:00 pm Coaching clinic (Dulaney Room, MCC campus, $25, includes food)

7:00 pm Fundraiser Banquet (MCC Gym, $50, includes buffet)



For more information about the events or to save your seat at the shoot around, clinic or banquet, please contact the MCC athletic director, Hilary Allen at 601-484-8699.