April 30, 2013 - Geneva College
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April 30, 2013

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Geneva College students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends are invited to join together for a game of knockout in an attempt to break the world record. The event, "Dean Smith Ascent to Glory Knockout Tournament," is being held in celebration of Chair of the Bible Department Dr. Dean Smith′s retirement announcement and will take place on Monday, May 6 at 10:30 a.m. in Geneva′s Metheny Fieldhouse.

In knockout, players form a line at the free-throw line on a basketball court. If the first player does not make a basket from the line, the next in line tries to hit the shot before the first player can retrieve the ball and make a layup. If the second player makes the free-throw shot before the first player can score, the first player is out. The game continues until only one player is left.

In addition to honoring Dr. Smith for his many years of faithful service to the college and its students, this knockout tournament aims to raise needed funds for an upcoming Geneva College trip to Haiti planned for mid-May. Participants in the knockout game are asked to donate $1 toward the trip, which is being conducted in partnership with Haiti H2O.

Co-founded by Geneva College Professor of Student Ministry Doug Bradbury, a 1987 graduate, Haiti H2O works with Haitian community leaders and leads short-term mission trips.

The "Dean Smith Ascent to Glory Knockout Tournament" is being organized by Dr. Terry Thomas, recipient of the 2011 Excellence in Teaching award and Professor of Biblical Studies. The Guinness world knockout record was recently set at Grove City College with 586 players, but Dr. Thomas feels that Geneva is the perfect setting for breaking the record as the college holds the distinction of being the "Birthplace of College Basketball."

The first intramural college basketball game was organized by Geneva students in February 1892 under the coaching of Professor Charles O. Bemies, Geneva's first Athletic Director. He was a protégé of Dr. James Naismith, who is credited with inventing the sport in 1891 at the YMCA Training School in Springfield, Mass. Geneva first played in collegiate competition on April 8, 1893 using peach baskets as goals, defeating the New Brighton YMCA 3 - 0.

Those interested in participating are encouraged to visit the Facebook page created for the event at www.facebook.com/events/123400341189593/. Participants are also welcome to invite their friends.

Geneva College invites students to accept the challenge of an academically excellent, Christ-centered education. Offering nearly 40 undergraduate majors, an Adult Degree Completion Program with fully online and campus-based options, and seven graduate degrees, Geneva has programs that place students at the forefront of higher learning. Adhering to the inerrancy of scripture, the liberal arts core curriculum fosters a breadth of knowledge through the study of humanities, social and natural sciences, and experiential learning.

Apr 30, 2013