Page 6 Compass December 12,1979 '‘Amazing Grace" at ECSU By MAYO CALDWELL Although naturally talented, few athletes-male or female-have greatness thrust upon them. The exciting and exceptional skills that basketball fans enjoy dur ing the games are really the result of long hours of hard work, sacrifice, and per severance. Born under the sign of Sagittarius, Grace Bell, a sophomore-guard from Washington, D.C., is dedicated to helping the ECSU Girls’ Basketball team win the conference cham pionship. On the yard, at ECSU, you probably wouldn’t know her from any of the other fine coeds that reside in Hugh Cale Dormitory. Her per sonality wouldn’t give you a clue either, because she possesses a friendly, easy going personality. That coupled with her dark eyes, smooth brown skin, and effervescent smile which highlights her facial features, remind you of your babysister instead of a basketball player. On the basketball court, however, Grace sheds her sisterly-image and changes into an aggressive, playmaking guard. Like most basketball players, Grace’s roundball roots were planted on the playground. “I started out ■ playing basketball with my five brothers, but I didn’t take the game seriously until I reached the seventh grade,” she said warmly, her eyes scanning the room. “I started practicing everyday when my oldest brother told me that he thought I had a future in basketball if I worked hard at it,” she continued. Grace’s basketball ability is well known throughout the Washington, D.C. area. While playing for Eastern High School, she was selected to the All-InterHigh Team in 1976-77-78 and the All- American Team in 1977-78. In high school, she also earned varsity letters in volleyball and softball. Similar to her idols, Walt Frazier and Earl Monroe, perhaps Grace’s greatest talent is versatility. Last season, she was primarily a shooting guard. This year, however, the shifty ballhandler’s duties consist of quarterbacking the team, handling the ball, hitting the open man, and setting up plays. Flashing a warm cherubic smile, she said, “I get just as much of a thrill from making a good assist as I do from hitting a jump shot,” she noted. Last year the team had a mediocre season, but ac cording to Grace, the “Lady Vikings” are going cham pionship hunting this year. “If we can play like we are capable of doing, if we can get good rebounding and scoring from our bigmen, I believe that we will be in the running for the championship,” she explained. Grace brings the ball down the court. Grace attempts a free throw. ELIZABETH CITY STATE LADY VIKING’S 1979/1980 BASKETBALL SCHEDULE 1 Date Opponent 1 Nov, 16 Fayetteville State ' 1 Nov 18 Norfolk State 1 Nov, 26 Campbell College , 1 Nov, 28 N.C. Central Dec, 3 Atlantic Christian ' 1 Dec 8 Va, Union ' Jan, 7 Va. State 1 Jan, 8 ' Va. Union , Jan, 10 Campbell College 1 Jan, 13 Fayetteville State ' Jan, 14 Shaw University ' Jan, 16 N,C, Central 1 Jan, 17 St, Augustine's ' 1 Jan 20 St Paul's I ' Jan, 22 ' A & T State 1 1 Jan, 24 Hampton , Jan, 26 UNC-Wilmington | 1 Jan 29 St. Augustine's ' Jan 31 Norfolk State 1 Feb, 1 Atlantic Christian 1 Feb, 4 Hampton | ' Feb 6 St. Paul’s 1 Feb, 10 Va. State 1 Feb, 11 UNC-Wllmlngton 1 Feb 14-16 CIAA TOURNEY | ' Feb, 21-23 NCAIAW Local business supports athletics Through a co-operative effort between McDonalds and the ECSU Athletic Department, all Viking homegame tickets are sup plied by McDonalds. Bill Taylor, owner and Mrs. Mary Morris, program specialist have arranged with Coach Bobby Vaughan, ECSU athletic director to provide free drawings at half-time for “Free Big Macs,” and Big Mac “T” shirts. In addition, any home game where the Vikings win and hold the opposition to a score under 60 points a free Big Mack will be given to each ticket holder of that game. With regard to the “Free Big Mac” give-awayy for under 60 points, several stipulations have been made since the Dec. 6 contest, to provide a smooth operation and good public relations featues for Mcdonalds and the University. The new procedures are as follows: (1) Complimentary drawing tickets will be issued at.the door only to students with valid I.D. cards who entered by game time (8:00 P.M.. weekends and 7:^0 Saturdays.) (2) In the event that the Vikings win the game and hold the opponents under 60 points, all tickets holders must have their tickets validated by stamp, in the arena the night of the game.Yellow tickets holders will be issued a “be our quest big mac “coupon” on the spot. Pink (student) ticket holders must bring their validated tickets back to the athletic office durii^ thp following week between 8:30 a.m. to4:30p.m. To exchange their ticket for a free big mac coupon, no free big mac tickets will be issued to students the night of the game in question. McDonalds will no longer honor ticket stubs for the free big mac. It is hoped that all students will cooperate. McDonalds wishes to sponsor the Vikings, but it is impossible to JBl^iOUgj^ig Mar’s thP night of the game to so many students on short notice. However, the reduced price coupon supplied by Mc Donalds is good anytime until March 31,1980. Have a Mac Attack The Viking “Mac Attack” defense was introduced by assistant coach Claudie Mackey. Remember, the Vikings need student support to win and especially to win and hold our opponents to 60 nninfcnrlpgg

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