MOREHEAD, Ky. – Morehead State head football coach Matt Ballard will be coaching on the sidelines in his bare feet during this Saturday’s Homecoming game against Marist. He’ll lose the shoes for a great cause though – The Barefoot for Bare Feet Program by the Samaritan’s Feet non-profit organization. Ballard will be the first college football coach in the nation to coach a game in his bare feet for this cause. MSU hosts Marist at 1 p.m.
Samaritan’s Feet is a non-profit organization that seeks to provide shoes to needy children around the world. The efforts started in Africa but have since spread to all parts of the world. In particular, the Barefoot for Bare Feet program was popularized by IUPUI head men’s basketball coach Ron Hunter. Since coaching a game without shoes in 2008, Hunter has received the assistance of several other basketball coaches that have joined the effort. More than 250,000 shoes have been provided to those in need. No other football coaches have participated yet, but Ballard is hoping to start a trend among his peers.
During the game, fans will have the opportunity to donate to the cause as well. All fans will have to do during the game is simply text SHOES to 85944 and $5 will be added to their next bill and donated to the organization to provide a pair of shoes to a child in need. Announcements will be made during the game, and posters in Jayne Stadium will remind fans of this worthy cause.
If anyone would like information on the local event they are invited to call Morehead State’s Center for Regional Engagement at 606-783-9327 or go to the website at
www.moreheadstate.edu/engagement.
For more information about the organization, visit www.samaritansfeet.org.