The UVI Buccaneers and Lady Bucs varsity basketball squads begin a three-week home stand when they host their top LAI league rivals, Metropolitan University, at homecoming games in the Sports and Fitness Center on Saturday, Feb. 25. The Lady Bucs tip-off time is 6 p.m., with the men's game to follow at 8 p.m. General admission is $5. UVI student admission is $1. "A buck for a Buc, with ID," according to Sean Georges, the men's team head coach.
Related Homecoming activities include a parade at 5 p.m., with the UVI Cheerleaders and others, marching behind the Charlotte Amalie High School drum line, from the UVI Bookstore to the Sports and Fitness Center. All UVI students, alumni, faculty and staff are encouraged to join in the parade. Students are asked to wear royal blue and white.
A special recognition ceremony is planned to honor 50 former UVI athletes and individuals who have contributed to UVI's Athletics program over the years. The presentation is scheduled between the women's and men's games.
Four contestants for the 2012 Miss UVI Ambassadorial title will be introduced during half-time of the women's game. They are #1 Ivory Carter, # 2 Latoya Rouse, # 3 Najuma Dunn and # 4 Raynyse Nesbitt.
A Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned during halftime of the men's game. Seven student contestants are vying for the crowns. Women contestants include Janelle Benjamin, Jewelise Fahie, Jackema Frett and Shenee Martin. In the men's competition are De-Jani Dowell, Jermaine Heyliger and Jeremiah Duffy.
Games between the Bucs, Lady Bucs and the Metropolitan squads are always competitive, according to Associate Athletic Director Curtis Gilpin, who is also the Lady Bucs' head coach. The Bucs men's squad has defeated the Metropolitan team during games played at Paradise Jam in 2009 and 2011, and Georges has high hopes for this home opener.