University of North Carolina Athletics
NCAA Mascots To Wear Armbands In Memory Of Jason Ray
March 30, 2007 | Women's Basketball
March 30, 2007
In memory of Jason Ray, the student from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill who portrayed the university's mascot, the Men's and Women's Final Four participating mascots will wear armbands displaying his name throughout the duration of the Final Four events in Atlanta and Cleveland.
The elastic armbands will be distributed to the mascots on Thursday, March 29.
Quotes:
Gary Walters, director of athletics, Princeton University and chair, NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committee:
"Jason embodied what being a fan of college athletics was all about: energy, joy and passion. I was saddened to hear of his passing, but I am pleased that we can honor his memory by displaying his name on armbands during the championship."
Judy Southard, senior associate director of athletics, Louisiana State University and chair, NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Committee:
"Mascots are an integral part of the team and the spirit of the games. As a basketball community mourning this loss, it's only appropriate that we remember Jason this way."
Myles Brand, president, NCAA:
"On behalf of the NCAA and its member institutions, we extend our condolences to the family and friends of Jason Ray, the young man who died as a result of injuries sustained after an accident late last week in New Jersey. Jason was in East Rutherford for the Division I Men's Basketball East Regional, where he was to serve as the mascot for the University of North Carolina and be among the thousands of young people who get to be a part of this special event. It is with great sorrow that we learned of Jason's passing."
