By Michael Foster-Sanders/campus editor

Students and their mentors clashed at the intercultural network’s Men of Color Collaborative basketball exhibition.

The event was put together by NE academic advisor David Carrillo for members of the program to have a good time, bond and also to spread awareness of the program to potential new members.

“A lot of people are coming out to play, and the mentors are here as well supporting the program,” Carrillo said. “It’s going to be a monthly event.”

The basketball pick-up games were full court and five-on-five with winners staying on the court.

NE student Ja’lun Morris heard about the event from friends and wanted to see what it was about.

“I heard about the benefits of being in the program, and the things they offer like scholarships,” he said. “I’m very interested in joining.”

Mentorship and guidance play a big part of the MCC program. The program was started due to an alarming trend with minority men seeking higher education but dropping out within the first few months of college.

NE student Nick Campbell is enjoying his second semester in the program and loves that the event brought people together throughout campus to learn about the organization.

“I was going to a university, but I had to drop out because I couldn’t afford it,” he said. “I honestly didn’t know anything about college. They helped me find my classes, and they’re always there for me when I need help.”

Carrillo wanted to make sure the monthly event promoted unity and could be used as a stress reliever for students under the pressures of college.

“What better way [is there] to take out your aggression and frustration with school than a pick-up game of basketball with the fellas?” he asked.