MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s Murphy Center reverberated with the excitement of thousands of local elementary students from across Rutherford County during two Education Day events — a beloved tradition that mixes basketball, Blue Raider spirit and community partnerships.

“It’s a highlight of the year for a lot of our students and it’s special for them to get to come on campus and experience this,” said Murfreesboro City Schools Director Trey Duke, who accompanied over 4,500 of his district’s fourth- through sixth-graders to the “Glass House” on Nov. 3 as they watched the Lady Raiders basketball team edge out the Tennessee State University Tigers 59-53.

In addition to hoops action, students took part in games like “build a snowman” by wrapping their teachers in toilet paper, danced to “I Got a Feeling” and “We Will Rock You,” and cheered loud enough to rattle the rafters.

Here’s a video recap of the events:

On-the-court action

City Schools music teachers from across the district opened the Monday game by singing the national anthem before the arena erupted into cheers for nearly the entirety of the game.

Jaylyn White, a professional counseling major at MTSU, took a welcomed break from classes to accompany her son, 9-year-old Jaydon White, to Education Day with City Schools.

“I love seeing the basketball game,” said Jaydon White, a Hobgood Elementary fourth grader who loves playing the game.

Also eager for game play was Black Fox Elementary fifth grader Addison Pitts, who said the Lady Raiders “always do a great job” and she’s already eyeballing a spot on the roster.

“When I’m in college, I want to try out for the basketball team,” said Addison, whose parents, Chris and Deidra Pitts, joined their daughter at the game.

‘Chants and cheers’ from children

On Wednesday, Nov. 5, 7,000 fourth- and fifth-grade students from over two dozen elementaries within Rutherford County Schools watched the Blue Raiders men’s basketball team take home a 100-51 victory over the Milligan University Buffaloes.

Representing Rutherford County Schools for the anthem were choir students from Homer Pittard Campus School, a laboratory school in partnership with MTSU.

Wilson Elementary fifth grade teacher Lydia Smith, dressed in her MTSU Dance jersey from her days on the team, made sure her students were prepared to step into the role of Blue Raider fans weeks before the game.

“I always make sure to teach them a few MTSU chants and cheers before we head to the game so they can join in from the bleachers and bring some extra school spirit to the experience,” said the MTSU College of Education graduate, who was honored as her school’s Teacher of the Year for 2024-25. “Being able to share my love for my alma mater is something I look forward to, and I’m always thrilled to pass that excitement on to my students.”

The games are a great way to showcase college outside of academics, too, said Duke.

“When we leave, kids are always talking about wanting to go to MTSU for college. It sparks something,” said Duke, a three-time alumnus. “To see it in person is a catalyst for them to say, ‘I can see that’ and ‘I can do that.’ And MTSU is always so welcoming.”

And it’s a reward for students who “work so hard throughout the year,” Smith said.

“Athletic events like this allow students to look forward to the opportunities going to a university provides,” Smith said. “After today’s game, some of the men’s basketball players came into the crowd to sign autographs, give high fives, and make genuine connections with our students, creating moments I know they’ll never forget.”

— Nancy DeGennaro (Nancy.DeGennaro@mtsu.edu)