Two archrival men's basketball teams worked together to produce a powerful video supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and encouraging everyone to register to vote in the 2020 election.
The Kent State Golden Flashes and the Akron Zips joined forces to produce a video that reminded fans that while the rivalry is stronger than ever, some things go beyond the game.
"As the players from both programs so eloquently stated in the video, some things are BIGGER than basketball and BIGGER than our rivalry," Kent State head men's basketball coach Rob Senderoff said. "It was great to see two teams that are fierce competitors on the court come together to take a powerful stance. I am proud of all of the guys and proud to have played a small part in helping coordinate the video."
Coach Senderoff and Akron head coach John Groce worked together on a script and the video's overall layout. The teams then shot their portions of the piece at practice. The coaches met up over the weekend to film the video's final scene and encourage everyone to register and cast their vote this November.
"I cannot express how proud I am of our men's basketball program," Director of Athletics Joel Nielsen said. "For these student-athletes and coaches to be able to put aside the rivalry and use their platform to promote social change, that is college athletics at its best."
The video was released on social media on Monday evening. In less than 24 hours, it had over 25,000 impressions and views as fans and alumni applauded the message.
To register and to take the pledge to vote this November, visit https://allintovote.org/.
The video in its entirety can be viewed at https://kentstatesports.com/news/2020/9/1/mens-basketball-rivals-unite-for-social-change.aspx