Wednesday, November 04, 2015

UNCW Athletics is partnering with the USS North Carolina Battleship on "Buckets for the Battleship" to raise funds to repair the hull of the famed battleship docked on the Cape Fear River downtown.
 
The 2015-16 basketball campaign will feature a season-long pledge to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the commissioning of the vessel in 2016.
 
Participation is open to the public and consists of donating $1 for each three pointer made by the men’s and women’s basketball teams during their regular season games.
 
“We’re excited about partnering with Wilmington’s premier landmark, the USS North Carolina, on such a unique project,” said Jimmy Bass, UNCW’s athletic director. “Like UNCW basketball, the USS North Carolina is synonymous with the city of Wilmington. We hope this partnership will be a tremendous success as we assist with the restoration of one of this nation’s most beloved battleships.”
 
Last year the men’s team sank 162 three-pointers, while the women tallied 80, combining for a total of 242 throughout the duration of the season.
 
“The Battleship is greatly honored by UNCW’s partnership and outreach,” said Heather Loftin, Promotions Director for the Battleship North Carolina.  “The support of the students, alumni and fans will truly make a difference as we strive to restore the Battleship and keep the stories alive from the Greatest Generation. We would like to thank them in helping us preserve the legacy.”
 
Contributions from this year’s event will be used in repairing the hull of the aging battleship, which made history in World War II. The battleship was considered the world’s greatest sea weapon until her decommission in 1947, and has since called Wilmington her home for the past 54 years.
 
Funds will be collected after the season’s totals have been determined. A check presentation is scheduled for March 22 during the UNCW-N.C. State baseball game at Brooks Field.
 
Those interested may sign up by visiting www.battleshipnc.com. Fans can sign up at any point during the season.

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