By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech women's basketball has a tremendously rich tradition. From the trophy cases in the Hooper Eblen Center filled with glistening reminders to the banners hanging proudly from the arena's rafters, there's a lot of physical proof of that tradition.
On Saturday, January 8, the Tech women's basketball program will celebrate the people behind that who made it happen, welcoming back all former players, managers, coaches, staff and more to a 50th Anniversary Celebration.
The event, to be held that evening at the Saltbox Inn (537 Hutcheson Road, Cookeville), will begin at 5 p.m., following the Tennessee Tech basketball doubleheader vs. Eastern Illinois.
It is part of the TTU Women's Basketball Reunion Weekend Celebration. The weekend begins with Tech's contest against Morehead State on Thursday, Jan. 6, at 5:30 p.m. On Saturday, Jan. 8, at 1 p.m., the Tech women will take on Eastern Illinois, with all of Tech's Ohio Valley Conference championship teams -- 18 regular-season and nine tournament titles -- to be honored at halftime of the Saturday contest.
"The goal of the weekend is inclusivity and welcoming back our alumni," said Tech Director of Annual Giving and Stewardship Kristie Phillips. "The first 50 years of this program represent some of the most athletically successful in Tennessee Tech's history. There are 17 former players and two former head coaches in the TTU Sports Hall of Fame, including the first woman and first woman of color to be inducted.
"We are so proud of this program and its players, both past and present. We want to welcome home as many people as we honor them at halftime of the Eastern Illinois game."
Complimentary tickets for Tech women's basketball alumni and their families will be available for the Saturday game. Contact Phillips at kphillips@tntech.edu or at (931) 372-6857 to reserve the game tickets.
The 50th Anniversary Celebration at the Saltbox Inn will include hors d'oeuvres, a limited bar and a 50th Anniversary commemorative coin. The cost is $50 per person and RSVPs are due by Monday, Jan. 2 by contacting Phillips.
Reservations for the Celebration can also be made online here.