ROCKLIN, Calif. – For the first time in the history of Jessup Athletics, William Jessup University is set to play host to an NCAA Division I opponent as the UC Davis Aggies prepare to visit Rocklin on October 30. The night, however, will be more than just a game, as 100-percent of the proceeds from this competition will be donated to victims of the Dixie Fire.
 
"What an amazing opportunity for two great universities and athletic programs to come together for a cause," said Jessup Athletic Director and Head Men's Basketball Coach Lance Von Vogt. "The NAIA, which is our association, saw value in it. The NCAA did as well, with both issuing approvals for this for us to be able to raise a significant amount of money to help those that are in need from the Dixie Fire."
 
Tickets for the October 30 matchup will be available to the public for $25 per seat (see below disclaimer). In addition to purchasing individual tickets, fans can also make an additional donation at checkout to the American Red Cross that will be used for Dixie Fire relief.
 
"When (the fire) is going on, everyone is paying attention, but a couple of months go by, and people move on with their lives," added Von Vogt on helping those in need. "This is an opportunity for us to show that we are still thinking of them, we still care for them, and you have a community of people that are right there with you, and we are going to do the best we can to help you through the trials and tribulations that you are facing."
 
Von Vogt would later add on the hardships facing victims of the Dixie Fire, "We know they will not be resolved overnight, but we are going to do everything we can to help out where we can and how we can."
 
These sentiments were shared by UC Davis Head Coach Jim Les, who added, "The Dixie Fire put our community under duress, and the effects are long-term. This exhibition game at William Jessup allows us to raise money to help support the recovery as well as shed light on the resources still needed to help the re-build of our neighbors in the foothills."
 
This game aims to raise $50K, with 100-percent of the proceeds going to those affected by another summer of wildfires in the Northern California area.
 
Jessup and UC Davis will hit the court at 7:30 p.m. In addition to the action on the court, fans will be treated to a special halftime ceremony where we honor members of Placer County Fire. There will also be a Pass the Boot fundraiser throughout the night, where fans can donate to the cause as well.
 
The Warriors are among the best in the country as they have completed six-consecutive seasons where they were Nationally ranked in the NAIA Top-25. 11 Warriors are returning to the roster from last season, including GSAC Freshman of the Year Myles Corey, who averaged 18 PPG.
 
UC Davis is coming off a winning season of their own, finishing 10-8 in a year that saw the Aggies reach the Semifinal Round of the Big West Tournament. Leading scorers Ezra Manjon and Elijah Pepper return to the lineup this season after putting up 15.6 and 14.7 PPG, respectively.
 
Von Vogt had high praise to offer in regards to the UC Davis basketball program, adding, "The game is going to be amazing. It's two fantastic programs. Coach Les has done a great job with UC Davis Men's Basketball. He's been very good to work with over the years. We have had an opportunity to play UC Davis every year for the past five or six seasons, and it's great to keep that going this year and to do it for a cause that's much bigger than basketball."
 
The 2021 meeting between Jessup and UC Davis will be the seventh all-time meeting between the two sides. It will be the first such meeting not held on Davis' campus.
 
Tickets for the highly anticipated matchup can be purchased ahead of time online HERE.
 
Interested media personnel can request credentials for the contest by contact Sports Information Director Matthew Horrocks (mshorrocks@jessup.edu) by Thursday, October 28.
 
OCTOBER 30 TICKET DISCLAIMER: All tickets are priced at $25. No reserved seating. No discounts or free student/faculty entry for the October 30 game. Ticket sale proceeds to be donated to the Red Cross for Dixie Fire victim relief. Anyone purchasing tickets for the October 30 Jessup Volleyball match must exit the gym at its conclusion and purchase a new ticket to attend Men's Basketball. Gate opens one hour before the scheduled game time.
   
William Jessup University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC). For additional information regarding Jessup Athletics, visit www.jessupathletics.com; visit www.jessup.edu for more information on William Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: William Jessup University Athletics (Facebook) and @JessupAthletics (Twitter and Instagram).