Monday marked the first Meet the Raiders event at the Libla Family Sports Complex.
The complex was opened for basketball games earlier this year, and held its first commencement ceremony in May.
“It feels way better. Better atmosphere, better vibes all around. We’re excited for a new year,” sophomore basketball player Willie Lucas said.
Men’s basketball coach Gene Bess was not in attendance after injuring his back. Assistant coach Brian Bess said Gene Bess is doing well and is anxious to get back to work.
The night was an opportunity for fans to join the Three Rivers Booster Club, purchase reserved seats, memorabilia and other packages.
Voice of the Raiders, Tim Hager, was the MC for the night for the second year, and introduced the members of each team for the fans.
Hager is a Three Rivers alum, and has had two daughters attend the college, one of whom played for the softball team and another is currently a sophomore.
Representing a family with deep roots in the school, Hager praised the Raiders for making an excellent choice to attend Three Rivers.
Fans will have plenty of opportunities to see all the Raiders this year, with the men’s basketball team playing 16 home games and the women’s basketball team playing 17 at home.
The rodeo team is again hosting an event this year, and it is slated for Oct. 3-5 at Sikeston.
Softball, which plays its regular season in the spring, is hosting its only fall home game Oct. 5, and will then play 24 home games in the spring, including a stretch from March 17 to April 2 will they will play 18 straight at home.
Baseball hosts Harris Stowe on Sept. 15, and will host 27 home games in the spring.
The men’s basketball team begins its preseason schedule in about a month, and the Raiders kickoff their regular season at home against Link Year Prep on Nov. 1. The Raiders are currently busy running their annual laps around Bacon Park.
“We’re tired, very tired. But we’re also pushing each other every day to keep getting better,” Lucas said.
The women’s basketball team, which is coming off a trip to the national tournament, also opens at home against Olney Central on Nov. 2, and will play its first four games of the season at the Libla Family Sports Complex.
“It feels way better. Better atmosphere, better vibes all around. We’re excited for a new year,” Three Rivers coach Jeff Walk said. “We were fortunate to win the first game in here and the last game in here. There’s not a lot of programs that can say that. We hope to just replicate what we did last year.”
Scott Borkgren - Daily American Republic