November 17, 2011
San Antonio – Kick off the 2011-12 St. Mary’s men’s basketball season as the Rattlers host cross-town rival Incarnate Word with “Operation: Drive to the Basket” at Bill Greehey Arena this Saturday.
Fans can get free admission into the game through participating in the Rattlers’ annual drive to support St. Mary’s ROTC alumni who are deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan by donating a non-perishable good or making a cash donation at the Rattlers’ season opener. Tipoff against Incarnate Word is slated for 6 p.m. Saturday at Bill Greehey Arena, located on the campus of St. Mary’s University.
The drive, in its second year, is presented by the St. Mary’s Marian Guard and St. Mary’s men’s basketball team.
In addition, fans can enjoy a pregame tailgate outside the arena from 5-6 p.m. that is sponsored by the St. Mary’s Registered Student Organization and the St. Mary’s Residence Hall Association. Rattler Towels will be available for a $2 donation, which will benefit the San Antonio Food Bank, and the RSO Office will also sponsor a poster contest during the game.
So come cheer on the Rattlers and help out a great cause this Saturday!
St. Mary’s went 15-12 last season, earning a spot in the Heartland Conference Tournament, where it was eliminated in the semifinals.
Rattlers head coach Jim Zeleznak, entering his seventh year leading the program, enters the game one win away from No. 100. He holds a career record of 99-59.