This Week in Blue Raider Athletics

PAINT THE 'BORO EVENT THIS SATURDAY: Middle Tennessee fans and Blue Raider football players will meet this Saturday for the first ever Paint the 'Boro Blue event. Fans and football players will team up to distribute 2005 Blue Raider football schedule posters throughout Rutherford County while also asking area businesses to support the Blue Raiders on home game weekends by wearing blue and supporting the Blue Raiders on their marquees and inside their business. Anyone interested in participating in this event is urged to meet at the Kennon Sports Hall of Fame this Saturday, July 23rd, at 9 a.m. For more information, contact Brad Warden at 615/898-5322.

MCKENRY NAMED TO ALL-STAR TEAM: Blue Raider catcher Michael McKenry has been named to the Coastal Plain League South Division All-Star team after helping the Fayetteville Swampdogs to the division title in the first half of the season. McKenry is second in the league in doubles with 10 and tied for third in the league with 17 RBIs while batting .252. McKenry has stolen eight bases in nine attempts. The junior-to-be had a seven RBI night against Florence early in the season, a feat that has yet to be surpassed this season in the CPL.

ALABAMA TICKET DEADLINE AUGUST 1: Middle Tennessee season ticket holders may purchase tickets for the Alabama game, September 3, in Tuscaloosa, Ala., through the Middle Tennessee Ticket Office. The complement of tickets Middle Tennessee has received from the University of Alabama must be returned on August 1. Fans may purchase tickets by calling the ticket office at 615/898-2103 or online at GoBlueRaiders.com.

BRAA HOSTING BUS TRIPS: The Blue Raider Athletic Association will sponsor bus trips for the University of Alabama and Vanderbilt games for the 2005 football season. The BRAA trip to Tuscaloosa, Ala., will depart on Friday, Sept. 2, and return after the game on Saturday. The cost of the bus trip is $130 per person, which includes hotel and transportation or $180 per couple, which includes hotel and transportation. This does not include cost of ticket for the game. Tickets may be purchased through the Middle Tennessee ticket office by calling 898-2103. Cost of game tickets is $30. The BRAA bus trip Vanderbilt will depart on Saturday, Oct. 1 and return after the game. The cost of the bus trip is $25 per person. Tickets for the Vandy game are $30 and may be purchased at the ticket office. The Alumni Association will also be coordinating a tailgate event for all Middle Tennessee alumni and fans traveling to these away games. The BRAA will also be checking into bus trips to North Carolina State and Troy University. To make reservations for the BRAA bus trips, please call the BRAA office at 615/898-2210. Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis and space is limited.

SPIRIT PACKS AVAILABLE: The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce is again pleased to announce their endorsement and sale of Middle Tennessee Spirit Packs for the 2005 season. These Spirit Packs are an ideal way for local businesses to support Middle Tennessee athletics and help to "Paint the Town Blue" for all Blue Raider sporting events. The Spirit Packs come in two sizes, priced at $55 and $80, and include blue and white pennant strings, blue and white pom-poms, Middle Tennessee static window clings, car-size magnet and flags. To purchase a Spirit Pack, please visit the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce or contact 615/893-6565. Spirit Packs are also available for sale at the Blue Raider Marketing office located in the Kennon Hall of Fame building on the Middle Tennessee campus. For more information please contact Jodi Greeson in Blue Raider Marketing at 615/494-8951. Spirit Packs will be available beginning June 6 while supplies last.

FOOTBALL MEDIA DAYS SET FOR NEXT WEEK: The Sun Belt Conference will host its annual Football Media Days Monday and Tuesday in New Orleans, La. Middle Tennessee head coach Andy McCollum as well as senior linebacker Dennis Burke will represent the Blue Raiders. Preseason all-conference teams and the coaches preseason poll will both be announced during Monday's press conference. Former University of Georgia head coach and ESPN analyst will be one of many guest speakers during the two-day event where all eight football-playing members of the Sun Belt will be represented by their head coach and one player. From 3-6 p.m. Monday, KPEL radio with host Jay Walker's daily show will be broadcast live from the media day event (link - http://publint.ic.llnwd.net/stream/pubint_krvs2). Full coverage may be found at sunbeltsports.org.

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