Sept. 15, 2005

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo-(Thursday, September 15, 2005)The barbecue sale outside Country Mart in Jackson has resulted in a donation of $15,500 to the men's basketball and men's and women's track teams at Southeast Missouri State University.

Kevin Groves, manager of Country Mart in Jackson, presented the check to Southeast basketball coach Gary Garner and track coach Joey Haines. "The barbecue went very well with a lot of hard work by the coaches and staff members," Groves said. "We are happy to be able to help."

Garner said the barbecue funds are vital to the basketball program. "We really appreciate Country Mart making this event available every year. It provides the basketball program with the extra funds we need to compete in the Ohio Valley Conference."

Haines said the track teams benefit greatly. "This is a great event that helps us take buses to away meets instead of driving vans," Haines said. "It is a lot of hard work, but we enjoy meeting all the people who come out for the barbecue and we appreciate the money raised at the event."