The upcoming showdown between the Brock Badgers and McMaster Marauders men\u2019s and women\u2019s basketball teams is poised to transform the Meridian Centre into a sea of red on Saturday, Nov. 25.<\/p>\n
Paint the Meridian Red transcends the basketball court; it’s a celebration of community and hometown pride, according to Brock women\u2019s basketball head coach, Mike Rao.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor these student-athletes, stepping onto the Meridian Centre court isn’t merely about a basketball game,\u201d he said. \u201cIt’s a chance to create enduring memories, cementing their connection with their roots and leaving a mark on the vibrant sports tapestry of Niagara.\u201d<\/p>\n
Paint the Meridian Red will feature a group of student-athletes hailing from various corners of the Niagara region: Shailah Adams from Welland; Madalyn Weinert, Brookelyn Keltos, Jamie Addy, Allison Addy and Anthony Heyes representing St. Catharines; Vienna Vercesi from Niagara Falls; and Ilijana Vukovic and Aleksija Vukovic from Grimsby.<\/p>\n
The Badgers haven’t hosted Paint the Meridian Red since 2020, leaving current players yearning for the electrifying ambiance of competing beneath the radiant Meridian Centre lights.<\/p>\n
Yet, for the Niagara-born talents on Brock\u2019s teams, this event signifies more than just a game; it symbolizes the embodiment of aspirations and dreams cherished by athletes from the region.<\/p>\n
“Growing up around here, you look forward to attending sporting events at the Meridian Centre,” said Keltos, a first-year shooting guard. \u201cIt\u2019s a special arena which embodies the pride and spirit of Niagara.\u201d<\/p>\n
Having witnessed the intensity and excitement of a previous Paint the Meridian Red game from the stands, Keltos experienced first-hand the fan-fuelled atmosphere that defines these matchups while cheering on her sister, Samantha Keltos, competing for the Badgers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe atmosphere in the arena was amazing. My family, friends and I bought court-side seats and had cut-out faces of my sister. It was a great time,\u201d she said. \u201cThe excitement in our section was crazy. Now this event is a full-circle moment for me; I will be a part of the team and not in the crowd. I\u2019m so excited about this game and can\u2019t wait to see everyone there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Heyes, a first-year Kinesiology student, echoed Keltos\u2019 sentiment, acknowledging the thrill of playing such a significant game in front of a Meridian Centre crowd.<\/p>\n
“Playing a big game in front of a big crowd as a hometown kid is a unique opportunity\u00a0\u2014 one that’s very special to me,” Heyes said. “I’m excited and can’t wait to see my friends, family and fellow students cheering us on out there.”<\/p>\n