JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Sept. 11, 2024) – During a press conference, held inside Ramsey Tower at William B. Greene, Jr. Stadium on Wednesday afternoon, ETSU Athletic Director Dr. Richard Sander announced the ETSU men's basketball team will host High Point in a charity game on Sunday, Oct. 27 inside Freedom Hall.
 
The game will tip-off at 4 p.m., with all proceeds from the event benefiting Finnegan's Challenge and Uncommon Grit Foundation, two non-profits dedicated to helping families and individuals overcome life-altering adversity.
 
"We are excited to partner with Finnegan's Challenge and Uncommon Grit for our exhibition game against High Point," said ETSU men's basketball head coach Brooks Savage. "This is a great opportunity for our team to play a high-quality opponent early in the season, while also helping impact lives of others through two great organizations."
 
High Point, the reigning Big South Conference regular season champions, went 27-9 overall and 13-3 in league play last season. ETSU and High Point have met one other time in program history with the Buccaneer winning the regular season match-up 71-60 during the 1952-53 season.
 
Johnson City Honda is proud to sponsor this event as the title sponsor, furthering its ongoing commitment to giving back to the local community. The game will serve as the official launch of a new partnership between Finnegan's Challenge and Uncommon Grit Foundation, working together to provide critical resources to families, veterans, and first responders in need.
 
"We are honored to be a part of this special event," said Joe Trujillo, Owner of Johnson City Honda. "Supporting our community and these incredible organizations aligns with our values, and we're proud to contribute to such a meaningful cause."
 
This game will not be part of the 2024-25 ETSU season ticket package. Fans can purchase tickets to the charity game, by contacting the ETSU Ticket Office at 423-439-3878 or visiting ETSUTickets.com. The NCAA has approved preseason exhibition games between Division I programs as long as funds raised for the game are donated to charity.  
 
For more information on the event, or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact ETSU Assistant Athletic Director for Revenue Generation, Mike Desrochers at (423) 439-3878 or derochers@etsu.edu.
 
About Finnegan's Challenge
Finnegan's Challenge is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping families facing adversity. Through a network of resources, Finnegan's Challenge provides financial, emotional, and social support to families in need, ensuring they have the tools to overcome life's toughest challenges. Finnegan's Challenge is a marketing initiative of For Our Kids Project 501(c)3. For more information, visit finneganschallenge.org.
 
"This event is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together in support of those who need it most," said Jimmy Sander, Founder at Finnegan's Challenge. "We're excited to see the impact that this partnership will have on families and individuals facing significant challenges."
 
About Uncommon Grit Foundation
Uncommon Grit Foundation's focus is to raise awareness and inspire community support for military veterans, first responders, and their families in recognition and thanks for their service and sacrifice to our country. Through our fundraising we support individuals, families, and other vetted veteran and first responder organizations. To learn more, get involved and see how Uncommon Grit Foundation is making an impact, visit uncommongritfoundation.org.
 
"Uncommon Grit Foundation is thrilled to partner with Finnegan's Challenge and ETSU for this charity game," said Darren McBurnett, Vice President and co-founder of Uncommon Grit Foundation. "This event will make a real difference in the lives of veterans, first responders, and families in need, and we're grateful for the support from everyone involved."
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For more information on Buccaneer men's basketball, visit ETSUBucs.com and click on the men's basketball tab.