Courtesy of NavySports.com
ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Marquette, Ohio State, Vanderbilt and Navy headline the 2016 Veterans Classic on CBS Sports Network, an annual showcase at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. that brings together top teams from across the country on Veterans Day. The third annual event tips-off on Friday, Nov. 11, opening day of the 2016 college basketball season, featuring Vanderbilt vs. Marquette at 6:30 PM, ET, followed by Ohio State vs. Navy at 9:00 PM, ET.
“We are really proud of the Veterans Classic and we are excited about Vanderbilt and Marquette playing the opening game,” Navy coach Ed DeChellis said. “Vanderbilt is a power in the SEC and has a great academic and athletic tradition. Marquette is also a historic program and Coach Wojciechowski has ties to the area. I am really excited about playing Ohio State, as Thad Matta is a good friend of mine.
“It’s a big stage with national television and we hope to have another sold-out arena. The coaches in the past have all raved about their teams being able to experience life as a midshipman and they will get an experience here at Navy that they can’t get anywhere else in the country. We’ll have two outstanding games and four outstanding teams.”
In addition to the games, the three participating schools will have the rare opportunity to get a glimpse of what life is like as a midshipman at the Naval Academy.
“The Veterans Classic is a unique and special opportunity for everyone in our program to receive some perspective and insight on those who have dedicated their lives to serving our country,” Marquette coach Steve Wojciechowski stated. “The Naval Academy’s mission to develop its Midshipmen morally, mentally and physically will provide an excellent example for our players and coaches.
“I have always had tremendous respect for the sacrifices made by the individuals who serve in our armed forces and that’s been our primary motivation to become involved with Camp Hometown Heroes, an organization dedicated to helping children who have lost a loved one who served in the U.S. military. Having grown up in Baltimore not too far from the Academy, I know our team will enjoy an experience it will remember for a long time.”
The visiting teams will be immersed in the culture and tradition of the Naval Academy, including touring the ‘Yard,’ watching noon meal formation, eating lunch with the Brigade at King Hall, as well as a number of other unique experiences, including military demonstrations and receptions.
“Our program is very thankful for this opportunity to play in Annapolis,” Vanderbilt’s Bryce Drew said. “We are looking forward to personally thanking the men and women at Annapolis for their sacrifices and hard work to help keep our great country free. This will be a memorable experience that will influence our student athletes for a lifetime.”
CBS Sports Network will provide a look at the schools’ visit to the Naval Academy on HOOPS CONFIDENTIAL: VETERANS CLASSIC, a 30-minute all-access show.
Tickets for the 2016 Veterans Classic are on sale now. Tickets are $75 and cover both games of the doubleheader. Fans can purchase tickets at navysports.com, by calling 1-800-US4-Navy or at the Ricketts Hall Ticket Office.
Navy and Ohio State will be meeting in men’s basketball this November for the first time in 85 seasons. The Mids defeated the Buckeyes, 35-32, on Feb. 6, 1932.
“Ohio State basketball is honored to participate in the 2016 Veterans Classic,” Ohio State’s Thad Matta said. “The opportunity for our team to interact with and compete against Navy will be a meaningful experience for everyone in our program. We have the utmost respect for those who protect our country and for our guys to briefly experience what it’s like to be in service to our nation is invaluable.”
Last year’s Veterans Classic field featured Navy, North Carolina, Florida and Temple, while the inaugural field in 2015 consisted of Navy, Michigan State, VCU and Tennessee.
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