PIONEER BASKETBALL ADDS NCAA I OPPONENT

PARAGOULD, AR – Crowley's Ridge College has added Tennessee Tech University to the 2010 – 2011 men’s basketball schedule according to Athletic Director Paul McFadden. Tennessee Tech will be the first NCAA Division One opponent in the history of the Pioneers Basketball program.

“This is a progressive step for the future of our basketball program,” said McFadden. “We need games like this as we move forward in our status as a four year college and athletic department.”

The Pioneers will travel to Cookeville, TN to face the Golden Eagles on December 30, with a 7:00 start time at the Eblen Center on campus. CRC will also face three NCAA division two opponents during the 2010 – 2011 season.

“Having the chance to compete with an NCAA Division One opponent will be a great challenge for our players, but a great step for our program,” said Pioneers Head Coach Chris Perkins. “If we want to prove ourselves as a basketball program, we need games at this level. It will only make us better. I am thankful to the staff at Tech for giving us this chance.”

Tennessee Tech is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference and finished last season with a 15 – 17 overall record and 8 – 10 in the conference. The Eagles advanced to the OVC Tournament semifinals before falling to Morehead State University.

CRC is coming off a 13-15 season under Head Coach Chris Perkins. The 2010 season will be the Pioneers first season of competition in the National Christian College Athletic Association as they continue the transition to a four year program.