MUNCIE – The Ball State University athletics department and the Cardinal Varsity Club are co-sponsoring a Hoops for Scholars program to raise money for scholarships for the Cardinals' 22 intercollegiate athletic teams.

The Hoops for Scholars program, which is being chaired by Muncie Star Press publisher Henry Bird, has designated Ball State's Jan. 29 home game vs. Buffalo as the day for interested individuals and businesses to help raise funds toward Ball State's athletics scholarship funds.

"I am very happy to be able to assist the university in its fund-raising campaign for scholarships for student-athletes," Bird said. "I have been very impressed with the emphasis the athletics department has placed on the academic progress of its student-athletes. Ball State ranks ninth in the nation in the latest NCAA Graduation Rates Study, which says volumes about the types of student-athletes the coaches are recruiting. Hoops for Scholars will give the coaches the opportunity to continue to recruit good quality student-athletes. We want individuals, as well as, businesses to participate at a level they feel comfortable."

Pledges can be made anytime prior to the Jan. 29 contest or on the day of the game. Ball State and the CVC are asking for money to be pledged for each basket, not free throws, scored by the Cardinals. Pledges may be in any amount, however, suggested pledges range from $2 per basket to $20 per basket. Businesses may also participate by matching the contributions of their employees. Participating businesses will receive a free pre-game party for up to 25 people at the Alumni Center on the day of the game.

"We are very excitied about the Hoops for Scholars program," Andrea Seger, director of intercollegiate athletics said. "The student-athletes at Ball State have spent countless hours providing community service and athletic entertainment to the Muncie community, and the fact that the community is taking on this project to help assist in fund-raising scholarship dollars is very gratifying.

"We take great pride in the athletic and academic successes of our program, and we hope the community continues to support the endeavors of our student-athletes," she said.

Pledge cards will be available at each home men's basketball game at Gate 1 of University Arena. Pledge cards can also be obtained form any Cardinal Varsity Club member or by calling (765) 285-8120.