Fans make strong showing at Elite Eight

EVANSVILLE, Indiana — The University of North Georgia (UNG) men's basketball team felt the love from its fans ahead of its March 26 NCAA Division II national quarterfinal game against West Texas A&M. Almost 100 fans gave the team a proper send-off to the Ford Center from the team's hotel.

"We are so grateful to President Michael Shannon and the UNG administration for supporting our men's basketball program in this way," Director of Athletics Mary Rob Plunkett said. "They are betting big on our student-athletes, and we are so proud of the way head coach Dan Evans and his program are feeding off this support and making history with each game."

Ralston and Carol Charles couldn't help but get a little emotional about the outpouring of support as they were in Evansville, Indiana, to cheer for their son, sophomore guard Cayden Charles, and his teammates.

"It has been a wonderful family experience. He's the baby in our family, so it was kind of hard to let him go, to be honest with you," Carol Charles said. "But the way they've embraced him has been amazing."

Marcus and Kyani Arnold made the trek from Huntsville, Alabama, to support their son, freshman Ja'mari Arnold, who is redshirting. His four younger brothers were also in Evansville.

"With all the support UNG has given us, we came up to support them. We hit the road, brought the whole family," Marcus Arnold said. "We love it. We've gotten close with every parent here, every coach here and every player here. We're a close-knit group already, and you see the support that comes out for them no matter where they are. We love it. They all take care of each other."

Knox Miller, a senior from Thomaston, Georgia, pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in management, was one of a few Blue Crew student section members who made the drive up together the day of the game.

"It was definitely a long drive, but we were very excited about it," Miller said. "It was kind of impromptu, but we knew it was our biggest chance to come and do something like this to support UNG."