ROCKLIN, Calif. – Jessup Athletics is set to make history this fall by announcing the inaugural 'Hoops for Heroes' event. On a night centered around something much more important than basketball, Jessup will take the court on November 4 with their hearts on a win and a cause.
 
"The main purpose of this night is not just to raise funds," says Major Des Nelson of the United States Army Reserve. "The main purpose is to honor our Jessup veterans. Our student veterans, faculty veterans, and staff veterans."
 
With a goal of raising over $50,000, proceeds for this event will go directly to two locations: the Victor Dew Endowment Fund and a brand new on-campus Veteran Resource Center.
 
"What our hope is that this event allows us to open up funding and work-study programs for veterans," added Nelson, a military chaplain who is also a University Advancement Officer for Jessup. "The new Veteran's Resource Center will give veterans a place to receive VA resources."
 
There are currently over 70 students enrolled at William Jessup University who are a veteran of the United States military. The funding from this event will hopefully grow the number of students to the triple digits.
 
Jessup will don special, brand-new uniforms for the event, a black uniform with camouflage accents throughout. These uniforms were designed specifically for this event, and select jerseys will be gifted to military veterans after the game.
 
The Jessup men's basketball program is coming off the best season in program history, finishing in the NAIA Quarterfinals with a record of 30-7. With sights on a deeper run in March this season, the Warriors return to All-American guards from a season ago, Cashemin Williams (First-Team) and Myles Corey (Honorable Mention).
 
"Every one of us has someone close to us, family or friend, that has served our country in the military," said Lance Von Vogt, Jessup Athletic Director, and head basketball coach. "For me, it was my father and uncles who served in the Marines, Army, and Navy. I am forever indebted to them for their service as I am every other service member, past and present."
 
In attendance for the November 4 matchup against UC Merced will be the color guard of Whitney HS. They will stand at center court as the national anthem is performed live by a U. S. veteran who is currently enrolled at Jessup. A pregame reception, hosted by Jessup, will also be held for veterans attending the game.
 
Also in attendance will be veterans who served throughout the past century, including those from the Korean and Vietnam wars. Any and all United States veterans are welcome to attend, and admission is 100 percent free for all active duty and veterans of the United States military. Tickets can be accessed online HERE.
 
An opportunity to give will be available at the event, but anyone interested in supporting this cause ahead of time can do so online HERE.
 
"To be a part of honoring and creating opportunities for these heroes is something truly special to me," added Von Vogt. "To be at a school like Jessup that prioritizes this initiative is one of the many things that makes Jessup home. I urge everyone to join us as we honor and create life-changing opportunities for our veteran community."
 
For more information on this event, please reach out to Des Nelson (ddnelson@jessup.edu) or Matthew Horrocks (mshorrocks@jessup.edu).
   
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 & Instagram).