Harlem Ambassadors Slated to Visit Ferris State

Women's Basketball Team To Hold Fundraiser at Wink Arena

The contest, which is slated to begin at 8 p.m. EDT, will serve as a fundraiser for the Bulldog women's basketball program. Among those slated to participate on the local team are FSU President Dr. William A. Sederburg, Bulldog men's basketball coach Edgar Wilson and former Ferris State women's basketball player Tianna Kirkland.

"We usually make at least one long road trip during the season and this will be an opportunity for us to help supplement the funds to support that," Fisk said. "It will be a fun event for the community and will allow us to attract fans from farther distances. By attending this event, they will be able to see the improvements in our facilities and how exciting it is to be a part of Ferris State University."

The local squad will be coached by Fisk's father-in-law – former Major League Baseball standout and Hall-of-Fame inductee Carlton Fisk. Her father, Lake Michigan College women's basketball coach Rick Bloodworth, is also slated to compete along with Bruce Bentley of WSCG Radio in Greenville and Sandy Gholston of the Big Rapids Pioneer. Former FSU men's basketball players Day Day Smith (1996-98) and Keith Guy (1995-97) are also on the roster as is FSU assistant men's basketball coach Cory Anderson.

"We are very excited about this event," Fisk said. "It won't cost any more to attend this performance than going to a movie and it will be both an entertaining and competitive show."

Based in Fort Collins, Colo., the Harlem Ambassadors are led on the court by Lade' Majic, known as the "Queen of Show Basketball." A star performer, as well as the only woman coaching a team of male professional players, Majic has led the Ambassadors on tours of Europe, Asia and the Pacific Islands. The contest is part of a two-month Ambassadors tour through the Heartland of the United States.

"In the past year, we've played in 14 countries and on three continents," said Dale Moss, Ambassadors president and general manager. "We've covered more of the globe than the other "Harlem" team that has globe in their name."

The Harlem Ambassadors players are drug-free and college-educated. The team performs random drug testing to insure the credibility and validity of the "Stay in School, Stay Off Drugs" message that they share with young people while on tour.

"Our team is selected for both their quality as people and their quality as basketball performers," Majic said. "There are always a few local stars who rise to the challenge and keep us on our toes, but we are still undefeated."

Tickets may be obtained by calling the FSU ticket office at (231) 591-2888. Advance tickets can be purchased for $5 for students and senior citizens and $8 for adults. A group of 15 tickets is also available for $75 until Oct. 12. Tickets will also be sold at the door with prices set at $5 for students, $7 for senior citizens and $10 for adults.

Sept. 20, 2001