Augusta University hosts Education Day basketball game for students

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – For the last couple of years, Augusta University basketball has played host to an Education Day game.

They invite students from the Richmond County School System to Christenberry Fieldhouse.

We’re sure we all wanted this when we were back in grade school or elementary school — a day off of the classroom and into the gymnasium to catch two powerhouses in the CSRA go head-to-head on the hardwood.

It was a true Richmond County day off of Wrightsboro Road.

Paine College played against Augusta University.

More than 2,000 fifth graders were on hand to watch the cross-town rivals.

Some students came out with an autograph or five and T-shirts too.

The two have not played each other in three years.

The Jags got the win, 91-6, making it 17 straight wins over the Lions.

While one team walked out with a loss today, it was basketball that truly won the day. Students had a fun day, watching college athletes score big.

“Most of my guys aren’t up that early. So, this is in between our exams. This is reading day. So, it works out perfectly,” said Head Coach Dip Metress. “The new guys had no idea what they were getting into. The two or three returning guys knew what this was about. It’s not about the score.”

This is just one of two Education Day games the Jags are hosting.

In two weeks, Christenberry Fieldhouse will be filled with Columbia County students.

They get to attend the Jags Peach Belt opener against USC Beaufort.

Not only was Thursday Education Day, but it was a special celebration for one former Richmond County student.

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.