June 12, 2009

ATHENS, Ohio - After spending time in Afghanistan last year, Ohio women's basketball coach Semeka Randall is returning to the Middle East again as she will take part in 2009 Classics of the Hardwood Tour June 14-25 in Iraq and Kuwait.

Randall, who just completed her first season at the help of the Bobcats, will join with former NBA and WNBA players Dale Ellis, Todd Day, Oliver Miller and Rushia Brown in visiting U.S. military installations in Iraq and Kuwait. As part of the tour, the group will take part in autograph/photograph sessions with troops, meet and greets, hospital visits and various interactive events between the former players and troops.

Last year, Randall made a similar trip to Afghanistan, joining with Brown and former NBA standouts Elden Campbell and Shawn Bradley in touring several cities, meeting various military personnel and enjoying many other activities. Randall had also spent time in that part of the world prior to last year, as she played in the Israeli Professional Basketball League during her playing days.

The Classics of the Hardwood Tour is a goodwill tour specifically designed to show support for military personnel stationed overseas. It focuses on raising the morale and providing inspiration to troops serving abroad. The Tour is a program developed by Pro Sports MVP, a Colorado-based full-service sports and celebrity marketing firm.

Fans can follow Randall's happenings in Iraq and Kuwait as the coach will blog about her experiences on OhioBobcats.com throughout her travels.