TYLER, TEXAS - Over 800 students crowded into the HPC for the UT Tyler women's basketball home opener last Friday, and the Patriots gave them a huge win and a fun experience to take home.
 
Back in September, UT Tyler Coordinator of Promotions and Fan Engagement, Jordon Baker, began contacting local schools to gauge interest in an elementary school game. Austin, Bell, Birdwell, Cain, Clarkston, Jones, Mozelle, Orr, and Woods Elementary Schools would answer the call, and would go on to be a part of a historic day inside the Herrington Patriot Center.
 
Most of the traction came from speaking with school principals and upper administrators, who were immediately on board with the idea. The big selling point was getting those elementary school students on a college campus, many of which for the first time.
 
Those schools would crowd into the HPC for the first edition of Elementary School Day. Each student came in and received a swag bag full of UT Tyler gear, a UT Tyler basketball schedule poster, pizza, and a water bottle.
 
Right from the jump, the Patriots had control of the game, outscoring Jarvis Christian 18-8 in the first quarter and then taking a 30-21 lead by halftime that had the students buzzing. Throughout the first half and at halftime, the students got involved, participating in "Play Like a Doctor" and a halftime game of knockout to represent their own schools.
 
In the second half, the Patriots got rolling, outscoring the Bulldogs 40-21 in the final two quarters on their way to a dominant 28 point win. During that time, the students stayed involved, participating in the Whataburger What-a-shot and the Layne's Chicken Dance as more and more students got their chance in the spotlight.
 
After the game, the Patriots stayed late, signing multiple autographs for as many students that wanted them, furthering the impression they gave on the young fans.
 
"The experience was unforgettable," Jones Elementary teacher Misty Artmire said. "My students couldn't stop talking about how much fun they had! Most of my students have not and may not ever get another experience like we had at UT Tyler, therefore I am so grateful that Jones was invited!"
 
The attendance totaled 1,265, including over 800 students and administrators from local elementary schools. That total number is the highest attended women's game in UT Tyler program history inside the Herrington Patriot Center and is the second highest attended UT Tyler basketball game ever inside the HPC, only trailing last year's men's basketball Blue Out game on February 13^th.
 
"Overall, the event was truly a success," Jordon Baker said. "I can't thank those schools and administrators enough for their willingness to participate and be a part of such a fun day. I can't wait for next year when we will get the opportunity to bring even more students to Elementary School Day and hopefully sell out the Herrington Patriot Center."