The Department of Exercise Science and Health is planning a 3-on-3 basketball tournament in Moody Coliseum on Oct. 2 to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Dr. Odies L. Wright, associate professor of exercise science and health, started the annual event four years ago. Students in his Organization and Administration of Secondary Physical Education and Sport Programs class organized tournaments every year to practice management skills. All money generated from the event will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters.

“They (BBBS) had been on campus for several times,” Wright said. “I liked their mission, helping impoverished kids, giving them someone to look up to and someone to talk to. It’s a great thing for our kids to get involved in, and I want to help.”

Students from ACU as well as other local universities are welcome to join. Students can sign up with teams of three to five players, and the registration fee is $30.

Kevin Riley, junior exercise science major from San Antonio, said four teams have shown strong interest so far, but the organizers are expecting about 20 teams to sign up. Although only male teams have registered so far, Riley said he hopes female teams will sign up as well.

“Last year we raised $600, and our goal is $700 or more this year,” said Jennifer Kulp, senior physical education major from Orange, Calif.

To prepare for the tournament, the class visited different businesses to ask for sponsors to publicize the tournament.

“Two of my teachers have donated money,” Kulp said. “That’s encouraging.”

The event not only benefits BBBS but is also an opportunity for students to apply what they have learned in Wright’s class. In the class, study material covers management process, physical education, sports programs, management functions, finance, risk management and public relations.

“I thought one of the best ways for this information to be more meaningful for students was to actually have them put on a tournament,” Wright said. “It’s not just about theory. Is what we are doing what they are saying in the book? Can it be lived out when we actually do something in the real world?”

Kulp said managing the tournament will help her with her future career, which is to be a physical education teacher. She learned how to organize big events, and her future students will benefit from her managing skills too.

Students can watch the tournament for free without purchasing tickets. Winners will receive sports game tickets, T-shirts and gift cards as prizes.

To sign up for the event and register a team, e-mail Riley at kpr07a@acu.edu.