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Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Hoop Dreams: Docs vs.Jocks vs.Drugs set to tip off


Former Pacers center Rik Smits is in the lineup for St. Francis' annual charity game.

INDIANAPOLIS – Physicians at St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers are challenging the faculty of Whiteland High School to a game of hoops for a very good cause. The two teams, along with former Indiana Pacers star Rik Smits, will come together on Friday, March 21, for Docs vs. Jocks vs. Drugs, an annual charity basketball game to raise funds and educate youth about the dangers of drugs, alcohol and tobacco use.

Proceeds from the event will benefit drug awareness efforts at Whiteland High School.

The charity basketball game will take place at 7 p.m. in the gym at Whiteland High School, 300 Main St., in Whiteland. Tickets are $5 and are available at Whiteland High School and at the door the night of the event. Children ages 6 and younger may attend at no charge.

Those in attendance will have an opportunity to meet and take a photo with Smits, the 7-foot-4-inch former center who averaged 14.8 points and 6.1 rebounds a game during his NBA career. Half-time entertainment also includes a free-throw contest featuring Robert J. Brody, president and CEO of St. Francis Hospital.

A convocation/pep rally will be held at 2 p.m. on March 21 at Whiteland High School featuring nationally known motivational speaker Ken Johnson.

The Docs vs. Jocks vs. Drugs event is celebrating its 22nd year of raising funds for high school drug programs in central Indiana. The annual game has traveled all over south-central Indiana to raise awareness of the dangers that drugs hold for children and teens.


The participating high school keeps the proceeds raised from the game’s ticket sales to enhance its drug, alcohol and tobacco awareness programs. Over the years, the event has raised more than $100,000.