Illinois Chicago Offseason News Update
by Nick Dettmann
Flames to start at BCA Classic
Hosted by Xavier University in Cincinnati, the Illinois-Chicago Flames will be one of eight teams opening the 2003-04 season at the Black Coaches Association (BCA) Classic.
The tournament will take place November 15 through 17.
“We are really excited to have this opportunity to work with the eight programs participating in this year’s Classic,” Floyd Keith, Executive Director of the BCA, said.
First begun in 1994, the BCA Classic has averaged 14,800 fans per night over its first eight years, including a tournament-record attendance of 32,250 in 1996. Past BCA Classic games have featured teams from the nation’s top conferences such as the SEC, the ACC, the Big 12, the Big East, the Pac-10 and the Big Ten.
The BCA is a non-profit organization whose primary purpose is to foster the growth and development of minorities at all levels of sport both nationally and internationally. The BCA is committed to creating a positive, enlightened environment and common ground where issues can be examined closely, debated sincerely and resolved honestly.
Throughout its 15 years, the organization has been at the forefront to enhance the employment opportunities and professional development of the minority professional.
Teams that are scheduled to participate in this tournament are: San Diego, Oakland, Ohio, Mercer, Illinois-Chicago, UC-Irvine, Coppin State and host Xavier.
