When the Madison College women's and men's basketball teams take the H. Douglas Redsten Gymnasium court on Saturday, February 1, their play may not be the biggest topic of the day. The North Central Community College Conference doubleheader against Harper College will also be Play4Kay Pink Day and the start of Black History Month. The games begin at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

The Play4Kay Pink Day is part of a nationwide Play4Kay Breast Cancer Awareness initiative during February, and encourages teams across the country to help raise awareness and funds to help the fight against cancer. The WolfPack women will wear pink shooting shirts to show support for those who have survived, those who are currently battling, and those who we have lost to cancer. Fans attending the game are encouraged to wear pink as well, and any survivors in attendance will be recognized collectively at halftime of the game. In addition, a jar will be set up at the ticket window for donations to the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Kay Yow Cancer Fund.

"Play4Kay is an opportunity to unite as coaches, student-athletes, and officials to give to others. In the fight against cancer, everyone can make a difference." said Lois Heeren, head women's basketball coach.

Saturday also marks the beginning of Black History Month in the United States, and the WolfPack men teams will don black shooting shirts for to recognize the men and women who sacrificed and paved the way for a better tomorrow. African American History Month was officially started in 1976 by President Gerald.

"To me it is a time to reflect back on the activists and organizers of the past involved in the fight for racial equality, the actions being utilized by pacifist groups, and the bravery shown in the face of extreme racially motivated violence. It allows me to think back on the progress made, but also allows me to recognize how much more work there is to do. Black history is not just about all the bad times people of color have been through. It is about integrity, leadership, and determination. It is about showing your true character...Black History Month is also a time to reach the next generation and help shape their character. Black history should be celebrated daily as we celebrate our American history and not just for the month of February," stated men's basketball head coach Jamal Palmer.



The final regular season home game on Wednesday, February 5 against N4C foe Wilbur Wright College will also serve as Sophomore Night for both the Madison College women's and men's teams. The women will recognize four sophomores, Tyra Day, Lilly Dorman, Mrylena Stewart, and Aniah Williams, while the men will honor three second year players, Earl Lewis, Shamar Newman, and Davion Washington. The ceremonies will take place at halftime of the women's 5:30 p.m. game and prior tip off of the men's 7:30 p.m. contest.

All home Madison College basketball games can be streamed live at MadisonCollege.tv.

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