Veterans and current service members gain free admission to Timberwolves vs. Lakers double-header

NCMC Athletics and the men’s and women’s basketball teams will honor veterans and active-duty military on Saturday, February 11, when the Timberwolves face the Mid Michigan College Lakers at 1 p.m. at Petoskey Plastics Arena.

Veterans and active-duty military will receive free admission to the inaugural Military Appreciation Games. A color guard from the Petoskey American Legion will present the colors between the women’s and men’s games. All Timberwolf players will be wearing special warmups to honor past and present service members.

“One of the goals of our athletic program is developing student-athletes who are leaders on our campus and in our community, and gratitude is an important leadership quality,” said Athletic Director Ashley Antonishen. “Our Military Appreciation Games are a small but sincere gesture of gratitude and appreciation for our veterans and military service members.”

Antonishen added that themed games like the Military Appreciation Games and the Hunger Games—which collected more than 400 pounds of food for the Campus Cupboard student food pantry—are important to players and coaches.

“It’s important to honor those who have served, are going to serve, or are currently serving our country and putting their life on the line for our freedom,” said men’s freshman shooting guard Justin Corcoran. “We want to show our support with this game by playing with courage, discipline and fight while also paying our respects.”

“It is important that we take the time to honor the people who served,” said men’s freshman forward Ashawn Burbridge. “I want to shout out my little sister, Angelina, who has recently been sworn in.”

“Thank you to all veterans for your bravery, sacrifice and the things you bear while defending our rights and keeping us safe,” said women’s freshman guard Mykaila Burgher. “We are grateful to all our veterans for their bravery, tenacity and commitment to keeping us secure. I am aware of and grateful for the sacrifices made by numerous men and women. Also, special thanks to my father, Khani Burgher, for his service. I love you, Dad, and I appreciate everything you have done for this country and for me.”

“To practice the everlasting gratitude we have for the veterans who fought for our right to pursue a higher education, we must celebrate them in everything we do,” said women’s freshman guard Caley Zukowski.

“Thank you to the veterans for protecting us all while serving this country,” said women’s freshman guard Amaya Bozeman. “The selflessness demanded and the sacrifices made are greatly valued and are not overlooked. I appreciate you.”

“I think after the last several years with current events, we have gotten away from remembering or honoring those who have put us in a position to participate in this game and hold events,” said head men’s basketball Coach Jeff Corcoran. “Those men and women deserve our recognition and thanks, and it will be nice to do so through our athletic program.”

A live stream will be provided for fans who are unable to attend the games in person. Watch the live stream at https://team1sports.com/ncmctwolves/.