Mandi Mooney
Online Managing Editor
October 20, 2004
|
|
Javan Martin throws up a shot during the dunking contest at "Hoops for Hearts." |
-Photo by Erin Blasinski |
Milligan’s Student Nurses Association held “Hoops for Hearts,” in its first ever event Tuesday night in the Steve Lacy Fieldhouse to help raise money for the American Heart Association.
“All of the money raised is going towards [American Heart Association’s] heart walk on Sunday,” said Jessica Fenton, co-leader of the newly formed club. “It will help in raising awareness about heart disease, the number one killer among women.”
Over 50 students, faculty and staff attended the event that featured 3-point shootouts, a dunk contest and a half-court shot contest. The event served as a fundraiser by charging a $1 admission price, as well as asking for donations.
Milligan’s men’s and women’s basketball teams enjoyed a night away from the rigors of practice by participating in the basketball contests. Senior Jordon Simmons won the three-point shootout, making 18 shots in one minute. Junior Kari Stout won the women’s portion of the three-point shoot out by making 15 shots. When the two winners faced off against each other, Simmons was victorious, with 19 baskets.
“I think it was a good opportunity for us to do something that we love and have fun at the same time,” said Stout.
In the second contest, the men battled it out to win the honor of best dunk. After the initial shots, two finalists were given two more attempts to impress the audience who then decided the winner. After one completed dunk and one missed shot, the audience awarded the prize, by clapping and cheering, to Javan Martin.
Martin dominated the half-court shot contest as well, being the only participator to sink a shot.
Winners were awarded gift certificates to restaurants such as Johnny Carino’s and Zaxby’s. Door prizes were also given out throughout the evening.
“I thought it was very cool and it was fun,” said door prize winner senior Brian Covey. “It was a really good idea.”
“We are going to do more outreach events, not just with sports, that benefit other organizations,” said senior Ann Marie Gardner, co-leader of the club. “Our main goal is to promote health to the Milligan community.”
The Milligan SNA, which coordinated the event, was recently formed on campus and hopes to soon include all of the nursing students from each class.