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It's December 14, 1977 and by now the entire town of Evansville is devastated to learn that the University of Evansville's men's team died in a plane crash heading to a game to play against Middle Tennessee. Although it was a terrible event, it brought the city together as they grieved for the team.
Sometimes, though, teams bring towns together for happier reasons. Evansville has always had a heart for the Purple Aces, especially the men's basketball team. As new coach but familiar face Marty Simmons says, "Look back at the history and you'll find that the Aces have always been a part of the community."
"Evansville is much richer because of UE, especially businesses, because they rely on the students for business, not only to buy things from them, but also for internships," says Christine McKeag, who has been a season ticket holder for years and also teaches business at the university. For example, when a student is going through the Education Department at the University of Evansville, they start interning with teachers immediately.
Many people feel as if they have "grown up with the Aces" since they have been such a community pastime. This is how another season ticket holder Amy Hart feels about the Aces. "I think it's an Evansville tradition that brings the community together," she says of the team.
Not only do the Aces provide entertainment for the community, they do service for it as well. Head of the Athletics Department John Stanley says of the team, "[The Aces] do significant community service; they read to elementary school students, they participate in Race for the Cure," and the team is also involved in such things as Habitat for Humanity.
The team doesn't just provide commitment to the community, the community provides commitment for them. Coach Simmons says, "[The community] is like our sixth man on the court; they inspire us." The team truly appreciates what the community does for them. Team member Jason Holsinger says, "They give me an energy that I can be proud of. The people are what separates us; our fans, the alumni; they always pay attention to how we are doing." Kavon Lacey, also a team member, says "[What they give us] is great. The kids come up to you and you can hear them whisper to their parents, 'Isn't he on the Aces team? Doesn't he play for the Aces?' I love to be known. It's great." Also on the team, Shy Ely told me of a story of how he signed a basketball for a little girl named Emily who is a fan of the team and that she was a huge fan of his. He said "I love when I hear things like that."
So as you can see, without the Aces, Evansville would not be the same.
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