BATESVILLE — Lyon College basketball fans are gearing up for the annual Furry Frenzy Toy Toss, set to take place on Friday, Nov. 17, at Becknell Gymnasium. The event, organized by the college’s Student Athletic Advisory Council, ties local sports with holiday giving to support families in need.
The evening will feature a basketball doubleheader, starting with the women’s game at 5:30 p.m. Fans can gain admission by bringing a stuffed animal, which they will toss onto the court when the first points are scored. Volunteers will then quickly clear the toys so the game can resume.
Student-athlete Danny Thomas said the tradition, while resulting in a technical foul for Lyon, is something the opposing teams and coaches are informed about in advance. He described it as a fun and worthwhile way for the community to engage with the college while helping others.
Tommy Newton, also representing Lyon College, emphasized the event’s importance in kicking off the Batesville Rotary Club’s annual Gift Tree program. The program, held in December, collects toys and monetary donations to provide Christmas gifts for families in need. Newton added that the college’s partnership with Rotary has recently expanded to include the launch of Batesville High School’s first Interact chapter, Rotary’s service club for high school students.
Thomas, a cross-country and track athlete, highlighted other initiatives led by the Student Athletic Advisory Council. These include a canned food drive, a Coaches vs. Cancer event in January, Division III Week celebrations, and an all-sports camp for area youth at the end of the school year. With more than 300 student-athletes at Lyon College, he noted that these efforts exemplify their commitment to service and community outreach.
The Furry Frenzy Toy Toss has become a cherished tradition in Batesville, blending school spirit and holiday generosity to make a meaningful impact for local families.