MTSU Lady Raiders fueled by 3,400-plus Murfreesboro City Schools’ students in Education Day game

Blue Raider mascot Lightning gets youngsters from one of Murfreesboro City elementary schools fired up during the annual Education Day game Wednesday, Dec. 4, in Murphy Center on the Middle Tennessee State University campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Making it loud quite often, more than 3,400 Murfreesboro City Schools’ youngsters helped the Middle Tennessee State University Lady Raiders defeat visiting Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville 85-41 Wednesday, Dec. 4, in the annual Education Day game in Murphy Center.

The students, from 13 city elementary schools, had a blast on their field trip to the MTSU campus. They danced and gyrated to “YMCA,” “The Chicken Song” and other popular tunes, and cheered on the women’s team.

Students from one of 13 Murfreesboro City Schools cheer on the Middle Tennessee State University Lady Raiders Wednesday, Dec. 4, during the annual Education Day game in Murphy Center on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

Wearing T-shirts from the Murfreesboro City Schools, Middle Tennessee State University women’s basketball players receive high-fives as they enter the court before the start of the annual Education Day game Wednesday, Dec. 4, in Murphy Center on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

The Lady Raiders (7-2) are nowThe Lady Raiders (7-2) are now 10-1 in Education Day games — an event bringing the local youngsters to the university and a break from their regular classroom routines. There were lots of smiles from City Schools’ leaders and joy in the stands.

Dr. Trey Duke

“It’s been amazing. Just fabulous,” said Abigail Franks, 10, a fifth grader at Erma Siegel Elementary, who recalled attending the 2023 Education Day game. “Getting to watch the game was pretty exciting.

Schools’ Director Trey Duke said “it’s a great opportunity for the students. Many of them drive by (Murphy Center). This gives them the chance to step foot on a college campus. For many of them, it’s the first time to come here.

“I hear a number of students say, ‘I’m coming to MTSU when I grow up. It’s all about exposing the students to an important part of the city and to a college.”

Murfreesboro City Schools’ teachers opened things by singing the national anthem.

Action and activities

In addition to the game action, the youngsters, with assistance from teachers, helped “build a snowman” (wrapping toilet paper around the teacher) and did an “upside-down tree stack” using blue Solo cups during the first half, participated in “snow shovel” and “candy cane hook” in the second half and 30 kids — 15 pregame and 15 before the start of the second half — met Lady Raider high-fives as they entered the court.

Principal of the Year

Following a free-throw contest among principals and assistant principals, the Principal of the Year, Caitlin Bullard of The Discovery School, was announced at halftime.

“There are so many phenomenal leaders (in Murfreesboro City Schools),” Bullard said. “To be selected by my peers is such an honor.”

Duke said the award “represents the best of Murfreesboro City Schools. It is voted on by the principals and district office staff.”

— Randy Weiler (Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu)