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USS Yorktown Shines During 2012 Carrier Classic
patriotspoint Nov 14, 2012
The eyes of the nation were on Patriots Point and the USS Yorktown, as the historic aircraft carrier hosted the 2012 Carrier Classic, which featured both an NCAA men’s and women’s game.
In the women’s game, Notre Dame, the 2012 NCAA championship runner up, bested Ohio State, which finished No. 16 in the AP Top 25. The final score was 57-51. The men’s game pitted 2012 NCAA Final Four participant Ohio State against NCAA Sweet 16 participant Marquette. Although it was called off due to excessive condensation on the court, coaches and players agreed that the game was secondary to the bigger message, which was supporting the nation’s men and women in uniform.
“These people protect our freedom,” Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said in an interview with USA TODAY Sports. “The opportunity to generate some funds to help them and to have our student-athletes interact with them and bring joy to their lives is — you know, the game is not the biggest benefit here.”
In addition to increased awareness, the event funds to support the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, the Wounded Warrior Project and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.
Last week, leaders from Morale Entertainment Foundation and Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum announced they have begun talks to reach a three-year extension of their agreement to hold the annual Carrier Classic college basketball doubleheader on the flight deck of the USS Yorktown.
Discussions for next year’s Carrier Classic, which would once again feature four of the NCAA’s top ranked programs, are underway, according to Mike Whalen, Director of MEF, and Mac Burdette, Executive Director of Patriots Point.
“We’re pleased to explore the opportunity of returning to the Yorktown to stage one of college basketball’s premier events,” said Mike Whalen, Director of Morale Entertainment Foundation.
Patriots Point Executive Director Mac Burdette echoed the sentiment.
“The Carrier Classic was a tremendous opportunity for Patriots Point, Charleston, Mount Pleasant and the State of South Carolina to gain exposure on a national and international scale, while supporting the men and women of our military,” he said. “We look forward to continued discussions with Morale Entertainment Foundation as planning begins for the 2013 Carrier Classic.”
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