Back in the black: Blackout cancer game Friday

The Raiders will break out the black jerseys for Blackout Night Friday against Loyola.

Wright State Raiders from all over western Ohio are expected to turn out for Raider Country Night Wednesday at 7 p.m., when the Wright State men’s basketball team plays host to the University of Illinois Chicago and Beavercreek Night, the Blackout game on Friday at 7 p.m., when Wright State takes on Loyola.

Wright State defeated both teams earlier in the season in Chicago with the Raiders winning 64-58 over Loyola and 74-70 in overtime at UIC.

“The advantage of a blackout game is really to unify everyone and it gets the excitement level up,” said Mark Gazdik, assistant athletics director for marketing.

The Blackout game will have special meaning this year as it has been scheduled to coincide with the National Association of Basketball Coaches Suits and Sneakers Weekend. The organized show of support is intended to raise cancer awareness at games nationwide as basketball coaches will don their customary suits courtside, but will also wear sneakers.

Raider fans are encouraged to wear black to show their support for the team that will also be wearing special black jerseys. The first three thousand people will receive free black T-shirts.

“If you’re one of the student athletes, it’s pretty awe-inspiring seeing everyone wearing the same color in support of you,” said Gazdik. “And for the visiting team, it can be quite intimidating.

Halftime festivities will include a world record attempt from long-time adjunct, physical education professor Matt McCormick, poised to make another run at breaking the world record for most one-armed pushups. One fan in attendance will also get the chance to hit a half-court shot for $10,000. The roller-skating dance group Break Sk8 will also perform. The group will also give an extended, special encore performance for fans who stick around after the game, courtesy of the Office of Residence Services.

Beavercreek residents will receive $3 off the price of admission if they show I.D. with a Beavercreek street address.

On Wednesday, Raider Country Night, Wright State coaches and team captains will be honored at halftime for their leadership and service to their teams and university.

Wednesday, January 25, presented by Fricker’s

Opponent: UIC

Game Time: 7 p.m.

Halftime: Honor WSU Coaches and Captains

Specials: Raider Country Night; One fan will have a chance to win $10,000

Tickets: $10 – Wright State Nutter Center Box Office; TicketMaster.com; TicketMaster Outlets; Call 800-745-3000

Friday, January 27, presented by WDTN-TV

Opponent: Loyola

Game Time: 7 p.m.

Halftime: Matt McCormick attempts to break world record for one-arm push-ups; Break Sk8

Post-Game: Stick around to watch more of Break Sk8

Specials: Beavercreek Night; 3,000 Black T-shirts; Cancer Awareness as coaches across the country wear tennis shoes and suits; One fan will have a chance to win $10,000

Tickets: $13 – Wright State Nutter Center Box Office; TicketMaster.com; TicketMaster Outlets; Call 800-745-3000