LeTourneau athletes join the nation in recognition of NCAA Division III Week

The nearly 450 member schools of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division III will celebrate Division III Week from April 9 to April 15.

Division III Week, part of the NCAA's Division III initiative, is a celebration of student-athletes' academic success, athletic accomplishments and involvement in the campus or local community.

Like many Division III schools, LeTourneau University kicked off its celebration early when the LETU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted a banquet in honor of National Student-Athlete Day last Thursday.

The LeTourneau baseball, softball and tennis teams will be part of the celebration of Division III week when they host home games in their respective sports. Friday, the YellowJackets baseball team opens a three-game series with Texas-Tyler at Conrad-Vernon Field. A single, nine-inning game is scheduled for 7 p.m.

The Jackets' Friday game has also been designated as Blue Out. Fans wearing LeTourneau blue will receive a free hot dog at Friday's game.

The Jackets will face UT Tyler in a Saturday doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. 

The LeTourneau softball team will also be in action Saturday when they host Texas-Dallas at the LETU Softball Complex. That doubleheader is also scheduled for a 1 p.m start time.

The LeTourneau tennis teams will host East Texas Baptist in their season finales Saturday at the LETU Tennis Courts at 4 p.m.

LeTourneau's student-athletes have been actively involved in Longview community in addition to starring in the classroom and on the competition field. This year marks the first year in which Jacket athletes have been involved with the Boys and Girls Club of Longview.