April 25, 2002

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Charlotte 49ers men's basketball team delivered 247 plush Koala Bears to the Children's Hospital at Carolinas Medical Center, Thursday. The 49ers dropped off the stuffed animals and spent time visiting with the patients and their families, through the hospital's Child Life Program, which helps children heal through creative education and play.

Through a partnership with the athletic department and its marketing arm, Signature Sports Group, Inc., Outback Steakhouse provided the bears, one for each three-pointer that the 49ers made this season.

The 49ers, whose senior co-MVP Jobey Thomas (Charlotte, N.C.) set school and Conference USA single-season and career records for three-pointers made, advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the fifth time in the past six years.

"It's all about giving back," said 49ers rising junior Kevin "Butter" Johnson. "We're blessed to be as fortunate as we are and these kids are less fortunate, so it's nice to come in and see them and show some support. I'm just happy we could come out and do this."

"I think it's always important to step up in the community," added rising junior Tory Reed. "All the kids get a big smile and they're like, 'you guys are tall' and it really makes you feel good. They're real happy to see us."