ROCKLIN, Calif. – The third annual installment of Jessup's Hoops for Heroes game is set to return on November 8, as the Warriors kick off a special week at Jessup University. One of the more special games on the calendar each year, this year's rendition sees a meeting of the two Jessup campuses, as coming to Warrior Arena will be Multnomah, making their first ever trip to Rocklin.
 
"Jessup University and Jessup Athletics are passionate about serving our veteran community," said Vice President of Athletics Lance Von Vogt. "Our annual Hoops for Heroes celebration and game has become a must-attend event. Every dollar we raise goes towards our Victor A. Dew Scholarship fund, along with improvements to our on-campus Veteran Resource Center. It makes it even better that we get to partner with our friends at The Honor Group every year."
 
Hoops for Heroes, which made its debut in 2022, is a night centered around those who fought to keep our great nation free. Prior to tip-off, an on-court ceremony is held to honor those who lost their life in the line of duty. A color guard is on hand to present the colors of the United States of America, and a battle cross will be made to pay respect to our fallen soldiers.
 
During Hoops for Heroes last year, a special dedication was held beforehand to mark the opening of the university's on-campus Veteran's Resource Center, located across from the Student Life building.
 
This year's Hoops for Heroes Game will kick off the first ever Honor Week at Jessup University, which will run through the week of Veteran's Day. The week will be spent honoring our veterans and blue-star families, and each day will have a prayer focus, encouraging the community to pray over each branch of the military. For more information on Honor Week, click HERE.
 
In the two renditions of Hoops for Heroes, Jessup has welcomed veterans of all branches of the United States Military to attend the event, dating back to the Korean War. All active duty and retired military personnel will be granted free admission to this event.
 
Military personnel with questions about the event can contact Des Nelson HERE.
 
Nelson, who served the United States Army Reserve and also works with the Advancement Team here at Jessup University, added of the event, "The main purpose of this night is not just to raise funds. The main purpose is to honor our Jessup veterans. Our student veterans, faculty veterans, and staff veterans."
 
The 2024 Hoops for Heroes game will see Jessup University square off with their newest sister campus, the Multnomah Campus of Jessup University. Jessup and Multnomah competed against one another for the first-time last season when the Warriors were in Oregon. Now, the Lions return the favor with their first trip to Rocklin.
 
Head coach Mark Darnall, now in his second year with the Warriors, is coming off a trip to the NAIA National Tournament in year one. The roster sees a mix of returning players from last year, along with six newcomers to round out the first Division II roster in program history. Fans can preview the incoming class of Warriors HERE.
 
Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. on November 8. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats at least 30 minutes early for the pregame ceremony. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time HERE.
   
Jessup University is a provisional member of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division II and the PacWest Conference. For additional information regarding Jessup Athletics, visit www.jessupathletics.com; visit www.jessup.edu for more information on Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: Jessup University Athletics (Facebook) and @JessupAthletics (Instagram & X).