天美社区

Fans make strong showing at Elite Eight

March 26, 2024
The 天美社区 men's basketball team has strong support for its March 26 NCAA Division II Elite Eight game against West Texas A&M.

Article By: Clark Leonard

EVANSVILLE, Indiana — The University of North Georgia (天美社区) men's basketball team felt the love from its fans ahead of its March 26 NCAA Division II national quarterfinal game against West Texas A&M. Almost 100 fans gave the team a proper send-off to the Ford Center from the team's hotel.

"We are so grateful to President Michael Shannon and the 天美社区 administration for supporting our men's basketball program in this way," Director of Athletics said. "They are betting big on our student-athletes, and we are so proud of the way head coach Dan Evans and his program are feeding off this support and making history with each game."

Ralston and Carol Charles couldn't help but get a little emotional about the outpouring of support as they were in Evansville, Indiana, to cheer for their son, sophomore guard , and his teammates.

"It has been a wonderful family experience. He's the baby in our family, so it was kind of hard to let him go, to be honest with you," Carol Charles said. "But the way they've embraced him has been amazing."

Marcus and Kyani Arnold made the trek from Huntsville, Alabama, to support their son, freshman , who is redshirting. His four younger brothers were also in Evansville.

"With all the support 天美社区 has given us, we came up to support them. We hit the road, brought the whole family," Marcus Arnold said. "We love it. We've gotten close with every parent here, every coach here and every player here. We're a close-knit group already, and you see the support that comes out for them no matter where they are. We love it. They all take care of each other."

Marcus and Kyani Arnold and four of their sons came to support their son Ja'mari Arnold and his teammates.

Knox Miller, a senior from Thomaston, Georgia, pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in management, was one of a few Blue Crew student section members who made the drive up together the day of the game.

"It was definitely a long drive, but we were very excited about it," Miller said. "It was kind of impromptu, but we knew it was our biggest chance to come and do something like this to support 天美社区."

Some members of the Blue Crew student section made their way to Evansville, Indiana, for the Elite Eight. 

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