Blue Devil News
Thu, Feb 12, 2009 - [Dillard]
Dillard Alumnus and Former Harlem Globetrotter -- Billy Ray Hobley
(New Orleans) - Dillard University Athletic department is set to host an exciting weekend of basketball, tailgating and a mini-concert at the annual "Bleu Devil Classic" February 27 and 28.Thousands are expected to attend the 3-day event filled with activities for all ages. Most notable is the game where Dillard's Bleu Devils will post up against cross-town rivals, Xavier University Nuggets. For the first time, Dillard alumni, family and friends will host the Billy Ray Hobley Athletic Scholarship Dinner. Many will celebrate this Dillard basketball star and Harlem Globetrotter ‘Great' and his legacy on and off the court. All proceeds from the dinner and the classic will benefit Dillard's athletic scholarships.
"I can't tell you what this means to me and my children for Dillard to honor him this way," said Mattie Hobley, the widow of Billy Ray Hobley. "The passion he had for the university, I can't begin to explain it. This event guarantees us that his memory will live on." Hobley said she hopes her late husband will best be remembered for the tremendous work he did in the community for children. "He would tell people. It's not about the house I live in, the car I drive or the money I make, but the difference I'm making in the children's lives," said Hobley.
Dillard's Athletic Director Kiki Baker Barnes and head coach of the women's basketball team said she's honored to pay homage to Billy Ray Hobley and anticipates a great rematch. "I am really excited about the Bleu Devil Classic and having the opportunity to recognize one or our own legends," said Barnes. "Billy Ray's bubbling personality and dedication to the community are truly quality traits we try and instill in the students who graduate from our athletic programs."
This will be the last game before teams are paired up for the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) tournament.
Game tickets available Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm at Dillard's cashier's window in Rosenwald (504) 816-4654 or by logging onto www.neworleansblack.com or at any ticketmaster location (504) 522-5555. Prices are as follows: $10 Dillard Students with ID; $12 General Admission; $20 Floor Seats(limited seats available).
"I can't tell you what this means to me and my children for Dillard to honor him this way," said Mattie Hobley, the widow of Billy Ray Hobley. "The passion he had for the university, I can't begin to explain it. This event guarantees us that his memory will live on." Hobley said she hopes her late husband will best be remembered for the tremendous work he did in the community for children. "He would tell people. It's not about the house I live in, the car I drive or the money I make, but the difference I'm making in the children's lives," said Hobley.
Dillard's Athletic Director Kiki Baker Barnes and head coach of the women's basketball team said she's honored to pay homage to Billy Ray Hobley and anticipates a great rematch. "I am really excited about the Bleu Devil Classic and having the opportunity to recognize one or our own legends," said Barnes. "Billy Ray's bubbling personality and dedication to the community are truly quality traits we try and instill in the students who graduate from our athletic programs."
This will be the last game before teams are paired up for the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) tournament.
Game tickets available Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm at Dillard's cashier's window in Rosenwald (504) 816-4654 or by logging onto www.neworleansblack.com or at any ticketmaster location (504) 522-5555. Prices are as follows: $10 Dillard Students with ID; $12 General Admission; $20 Floor Seats(limited seats available).
