The Ketcham Community Center will be the place to be this Thursday as the Pirates take on St. Louis Community College in the regular season home finale. Coach Esry’s men’s team comes into the contest with a 17-8 record while Coach Croy’s women’s squad currently sits at 20-7.
On top of the excellent basketball action, student organizations Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Residence Hall Association are sponsoring a Pirates vs. Cancer awareness night. Donations will be taken at the door with all proceeds going to members of the NCMC athletic family who are currently battling cancer. Additionally, the first 30 people in attendance will receive a free Pirates vs. Cancer t-shirt plus there will be additional t-shirts available for purchase.
Blue Coffee Pictures, owned and operated by former Trenton resident Michael Ransdell, will have a film crew on campus to make a promotional video for Pirate athletics. Michael’s work is critically acclaimed and he has recently won a Mid-America EMMY. “Using a guy as talented as Michael to create a marketing tool is a great opportunity. He is very excited to create a piece back in his hometown and we are excited to see the finished product,” stated Marketing Director Craig Sager. “I’m really excited to bring this talented group of filmmakers to my hometown of Trenton and produce this promo for NCMC. I love the idea of getting to highlight these programs and help draw talent from all over the world to Trenton for years to come,” remarked Ransdell.
 Other game-day events include the Trenton High School Pep Band, under the direction of Tim Gilham, playing to further enhance the atmosphere. “The kids are excited!” commented Gilham. Students from Media Club are sponsoring a sign contest for the student section. Wright Memorial Hospital and North Central Missouri College will be having their Employee Day at the games as well. “It is great to see so many student organizations, plus people from the community, stepping up to create the best possible experience for our athletes. The players appreciate playing in front of a packed crowd and hopefully we can provide that environment this Thursday night,” remarked Sports Marketing Coordinator Ryan Suttenfield.
