Published: April 15, 2008 11:59 pm      

Jerry Rice to highlight MCC's scholarship fundraiser

The Meridian Community College athletic department announced Tuesday that Mississippi native and National Football League legend, Jerry Rice, will host their First 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, 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 Hilary Allen, MCC athletic director. “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, Ga., for the first ever MCC Coaching Clinic at 3 p.m. on Saturday. Rice 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 from 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.”

Youths, aged high school and younger, will have an exclusive opportunity to meet the legendary NFL receiver at MCC’s Kids Shoot Around. MCC’s gym will open its doors at noon on Saturday and young people 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. Youth who participate in the shoot around will receive free admission into the baseball game.

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



This article was submitted by Meridian Community College.