Football Cards Will Play in Preseason Event
March 19, 2001 | Football
March 19, 2001
LOUISVILLE, KY -- The University of Louisville has accepted an invitation to serve as the host institution and participate in the Inaugural John Thompson Foundation Challenge Football Classic.
The Cardinals will face New Mexico State in the inaugural event on Thursday, Aug. 23 in Papa John's Cardinal Stadium at a time to be determined. The game is contingent upon final approval by the NCAA Football Certification Subcommittee during their April 24-26, 2001 meetings.
The John Thompson Foundation was founded in 1999 and is a nationwide pursuit to assist needy and deserving youngsters realize their dreams. All proceeds of the JTF go towards scholarships and youth clinics.
"We're extremely excited about the University of Louisville hosting the Inaugural John Thompson Foundation Challenge Football Classic," said John Thompson, the Hall of Fame men's basketball coach at Georgetown from 1972-99. "This NCAA-certified exempt event will benefit our scholarship program and inner city youth programs for the John Thompson Foundation."
"We're honored to participate in this event, particularly since it will benefit young people," said U of L Director of Athletics Tom Jurich. "I know that a lot of other institutions wanted to host this event. I'm delighted that our fans will have another opportunity to see our team play in Papa John's Cardinal Stadium."
The 12th game on the U of L 2001 schedule will be included in the Cardinals' season ticket package. U of L had just five home contests before the game was added.
"Obviously, this moves our summer schedule up 10 days and will be a tremendous challenge for our football team," said U of L Football Coach John L. Smith. "What makes it all worthwhile is knowing that children affiliated with the John Thompson Foundation will benefit from this game. I expect New Mexico State to be a formidable opponent."
The Aggies posted a 3-8 overall mark a year ago including a 1-4 mark in Big West play. NMSU is expected to return 11 starters to their lineup including three-time letterman K.C. Enzminger at quarterback. Enzminger passed for 1,454 yards and 15 touchdowns a season ago while also adding 450 yards on the ground.
"It's a real distinction to have been selected to play in the Inaugural John Thompson Foundation Challenge Football Classic," NMSU Director of Athletics Brian Faison said. "This will be an exciting game playing against an outstanding Louisville team for a great cause."
Television plans for the event are incomplete.
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