by Mark D. Weinstein, Executive Director of Public Relations
Thousands of Local Students to Attend Free Basketball Event
will welcome nearly 2,600 local elementary students, teachers and chaperones to campus on Monday, Dec. 1, for the annual Elementary School Day at the Cedarville University men鈥檚 basketball game.
The Yellow Jackets will tip off against Great Lakes Christian College of Lansing, Michigan, at 11 a.m. in the Callan Athletic Center, creating an energetic, kid-friendly atmosphere that combines basketball excitement with an inspiring campus experience.
Participating Schools and Game Day Details
Admission is free for all participating students, staff and chaperones. Eleven area elementary schools have confirmed participation in this year鈥檚 event, including Arrowwood, Clark Shawnee, Edison, Greenon, Horace Mann, Kemp, Louise Troy, Northwestern, Risen Christ Lutheran, Urbana and Westwood Elementary.
鈥淓lementary Day is one of our favorite traditions,鈥 said Alyssa Beals, director of marketing and sponsorships. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a joy to see thousands of young students enjoying Cedarville basketball with their tremendous energy and excitement. It will be a memorable moment for everyone who attends 鈥 including our players.鈥
Interactive Activities, Halftime Show and More
The day features more than just basketball. Students will enjoy lively in-game music, interactive crowd experiences and a halftime performance by the Troy Pop Rocks, a popular youth jump rope team. Schools are encouraged to bring sack lunches; tables will be available for designated groups inside the gym.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Students
In addition to the excitement of game day, Elementary School Day provides a unique opportunity for Cedarville students, faculty and staff to engage with children from across the region 鈥 many of whom are visiting a university campus for the first time.
鈥淭his day allows us to show the love of Christ through hospitality and fun,鈥 Beals said. 鈥淲e want every child to leave with a great memory 鈥 and perhaps even a new dream for their future.鈥
The event is coordinated by Cedarville University Athletics in partnership with campus security, facilities and event services.
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation鈥檚 top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal鈥檚 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.