Pioneer Classic Provides Athletic and Educational Experience
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Posted By: S. Moore on December 22, 2022 On Friday, December 16th Pioneer athletics hosted the Inaugural Charles Turner Pioneer Classic and HBCU Exposure Event. This event was important to pioneer athletics as it is important for athletics to stay in line with the mission, vision, and values of Delta College. Increasing diversity and community involvement are at the forefront of the changes taking place at Delta College. Head Men's Basketball Coach Vincent Turner and Associate Head Men's Basketball Coach Ryvon Coville had the idea to bring back the high showcase that has been held in the past prior to covid. Due to the impact Charles Turner has on basketball in the state of Michigan along with youth development initiatives Coach Turner asked can the tournament be named in honor of his father. The ideals of Charles Turner the athlete, the coaches, the community activists, and mentor to young athletes aligned with the direction of Delta College making the memorial tournament its official name. Director of Athletics Dionne McCollum decide to expand on the event so that the high school athletes and community members gained more than just an amazing athletic environment, but to also provide information, education, and direct communication regarding Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU). Delta College currently has a transfer agreement in place with Jackson State University a HBCU located in Jackson, Mississippi. The overall goal was to show the community, and athletes that Delta College can be a starting point and pathway to HBCU institutions. HBCU's represented were:
Another huge portion of the college experience are greek letter organizations. Through HBCU culture there was the development of sororities and fraternities. There are nine Greek letter organizations that comprise the DIVINE 9 of the National Pan-Hellenic Council.
Pioneer athletics took great pride in honoring these community organizations for their community service, educational, and mentorship opportunities. On Friday, December 16th, 2022 pioneer athletics set out with a goal to bring the community to campus and to provide them with a lasting experience. Pioneer athletics did just that as our goal was achieved in abundance with over 2,500 individuals present for the event. As we approached the final game of the evening we welcomed Delta College President Dr. Mike Gavin and new Chief Officer of Culture, Belonging, and Community Building Pam Ross McCalin. Their presence allowed the community that Delta College serves to see the new direction of President Gavin. Pioneer Athletics would like to thank all participating teams, HBCU Exposure Event Participants, Delta College Admissions, Delta College Advising, Delta College BFSA, HBCU Exposure Event Committee, Pioneer Men's and Women's basketball teams, and all Divine 9 participants. This event would not have been possible without your hard work. "I have never witnessed so many people in Delta's gym. It's a beautiful sight!" -Saginaw High School parent. "I am a graduate of Delta College back when Lynn Conway was the AD. I transferred to Southern University from Delta. I never thought I would see the day my college would be represented on this campus. It is a surreal moment. We thank you for putting this event together." -Saginaw resident, Delta College Alumni, Southern University Alumni "I want to attend an HBCU and join a sorority. This event allowed me to ask questions about both school and specialized organizations. I am even more excited about the opportunity to transfer to an HBCU." -Delta College student athlete "I currently have athletic scholarship offers from several of the HBCU's present. It was nice to be able to talk with someone about the school and not solely athletics." -Arthur Hill high school student-athlete "I am a local parent who as an athlete on a local high school basketball team. I was in awe at the site from the time I walked in the building and saw the HBCU tables to making it to the gym and seeing the crowd. This was a first of the many trips I have made to Delta that I have seen such a vision. Due to this event and meeting the basketball athletes who were working the event, I returned on Monday to support the Delta College teams. I look forward to more events of this magnitude in the future." -Saginaw Community Member, Local basketball parent. "The Turner family are honored and grateful to Delta College and especially Athletic Director Dionne McCollum for remembering our dad, his contributions and love for the game." -Family of Charles Turner SOURCE Delta Pioneers Official Webpage If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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