First Home Games Slated For Friday, November 13

Right: Men's Head Coach Jay Joyner. Below: Women's Head Coach Nichole Lockridge.

The college basketball season recently tipped off and the Columbia State Community College Chargers Men's and Women's Basketball teams are ready to "hoop it up" in their home opener against Volunteer State Community College on Friday, November 13. The women's game starts at 6 p.m. and the men's game starts at 8 p.m. This will be the first of a home-and-home back-to-back, as the Chargers and Lady Chargers take on Motlow State Community College the following day-Saturday, November 14. The women's game will begin at 2 p.m. with the men's game following at 4 p.m.

The Chargers men's team is led by Columbia native O'Neal Braden. "He shows leadership out on the floor each and every day at practice," said Chargers Men's Head Coach, Jay Joyner. "Basketball is a long season, and really, I expect to be very competitive this year," added Joyner. "The team chemistry is pretty good and that's a huge plus."

"It's a great opportunity for our student athletes to show the world what they're made of," said Lady Chargers Head Coach Nichole Lockridge. "I enjoy seeing the different personalities coming together for a common goal and I'm looking forward to seeing what they do this year."

To purchase a Booster Club Membership for the entire 2009-2010 athletic year, including the basketball and baseball and softball season, the fee is $100. Membership includes entry to the games for all family members. Individual tickets are $4 for the general public, $2 for children under 10 and senior citizens, and $2 for students with college ID.

For the entire Men's and Women's Basketball schedules, please visit http://columbiastate.edu/sports.

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, the sixth largest higher education system in the nation. For more information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu.