The Morehead State volleyball program will look to shatter its home attendance record on Halloween (Oct. 31) when Wetherby and Laughlin Gyms host the fourth-annual Say Boo to Drugs event. The Eagles square off with Belmont that evening at 6 p.m.
Say Boo to Drugs is coordinated by the Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, Rowan County Unite, Blueblank First Church of God and Morehead State Athletics. Event officials are expecting MSU's volleyball attendance record of 1,767 to be shattered.
"We are excited about this event," MSU Marketing & Promotions Coordinator Victoria Cable said. "It's a great opportunity for the school-aged boys and girls in our community to trick-or-treat, learn about the importance of being drug free and watch a Division I volleyball match."
The event will be held in the Laughlin Health Building, which is on Morehead State's campus at the intersection of Main Street and University Boulevard. Laughlin and Wetherby are connected, which makes it easy for youngsters and their families to attend MSU's volleyball match.
"This is the fourth year of Say Boo to Drugs, but first time our volleyball team has been home on the same night," Cable said. "We want to thank the Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, Rowan County Unite and Blueblank First Church of God for allowing MSU Athletics to be part of this important community venture."
The doors will open at 5 p.m. Area businesses will hand out candy and drug-free literature beginning at 6. Admission is free to both Say Boo to Drugs and the volleyball match. Strollers will not be allowed inside either event, but may be checked with MSU game-day staff.
Say Boo to Drugs participants may be dropped off outside Wetherby, but parking around Wetherby and Laughlin will be limited to staff and volleyball season ticket holders. Free parking will be available just a few blocks away, on the south side of SR 60 across from Dairy Queen.
"This should be a wonderful event," MSU Head Coach Jaime Gordon said. "Our student-athletes are excited because they thrive on playing in front of big crowds. We hope these young people get to enjoy Halloween, learn about the dangers of drug use and enjoy our match."
Normal volleyball patrons, including family members and season ticket holders, will be allowed to enter Wetherby via the east entrance. Those individuals will have seats reserved on the north side of the facility. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase in the north lobby.
Say Boo to Drugs participants and their families will need to enter Wetherby via the south entrance. Those individuals may sit on the west, east or south sides of the facility. Event organizers will have free hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and water available in the south lobby.
"We put a lot of emphasis on academics and volleyball, but being involved with the Morehead community is also very important," Gordon added. "That's part of being involved with a Division I athletics program. It's an obligation we have and something we really enjoy."
The Eagles close out their conference weekend on Saturday (Nov. 1) by hosting Tennessee State at 2 p.m. MSU has just three home matches remaining this season.