LEBANON, Ill. – The McKendree University athletic department is proud to announce the inaugural McKendree DII Classic Presented by State Farm for the upcoming men's basketball season.
The Bearcat family would like to extend a special thank you to Jake Brandmeyer State Farm (Nashville, Ill. and Belleville, Ill.), Scott Huels State Farm (O'Fallon, Ill.), Bobby Simpson State Farm (Collinsville, Ill.), and Keith Wolf State Farm (Swansea, Ill.) for their partnership and support in making this event possible
"We are excited to announce that State Farm is the presenting sponsor for this year's McKendree DII Classic men's basketball tournament" said Director of Athletics, Anthony Francis.
"As part of this partnership, State Farm is committed to building lifelong relationships with McKendree students by recruiting for full-time positions and internship opportunities" proceeded Francis. "They are eager to engage with students, share insights into what they do, and why they do it, and help create a strong pipeline for those interested in careers within their industry. State Farm looks forward to supporting our students as they explore their future career paths."
"We are thrilled for year one of our McKendree DII Classic" stated Head Coach George Suggs. "I think it will be an incredible opportunity to take on some of the best teams in the country, and it will provide an opportunity for the St. Louis and Metro-East community to see some incredible Division 2 basketball. We look forward to competing this November and are appreciative of University of Missouri-St. Louis, Lake Superior State University, and The University of Alabama in Huntsville and their programs for their participation. My hope is that this event will become an attraction for our campus community for years to come."
"Finally, I would also like to thank State Farm for their sponsorship of this event" continued Suggs. "They have made it possible for us to have one of the most competitive events in the country this year."
This year's multi-team event will consist of four schools, via various conferences:
• The University of Alabama in Huntsville Chargers – Gulf South Conference (GSC).
• Lake Superior State University Lakers – Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC)
• McKendree University Bearcats (host) – Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC)
• University of Missouri-St. Louis Tritons – Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC)
Matchups will take place over a two-day span from Thursday, November 21st to Friday, November 22nd. Tipping things off on Friday will be Alabama-Huntsville taking Missouri-St. Louis at 5:30 PM CDT followed by McKendree facing off against Lake Superior State right after at 7:30 PM CDT. Next day on Friday will begin with the Lakers versus the Tritons at 5:30 PM CDT as the event will conclude with a showdown between the Bearcats and the Chargers at 7:30 PM CDT.
All four matchups can be watched live on GLVC Sports Network, purchase rates apply.
ABOUT STATE FARM
State Farm Insurance is a group of mutual insurance companies throughout the United States with corporate headquarters in Bloomington, Illinois. Founded in 1922, it is the largest property, casualty, and auto insurance provider in the United States.
ABOUT McKENDREE UNIVERSITY
McKendree University is a private university in Lebanon, Illinois, United States. Founded in 1828 as the Lebanon Seminary, it is the oldest college or university in Illinois. The school enrolls approximately 1,960 students representing 25 countries and 29 states. In the undergraduate program, on average there are 51% females and 49% males. The institution is affiliated with the United Methodist Church.
For more updates and information on Bearcat Athletics, please continue to visit McKBearcats.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
#BearcatsUnleashed
