BISMARCK, N.D. – In a sport where the sartorial stylings of the head coach is on constant display during games, what University of Mary basketball coaches Rick Neumann and Joe Kittell are doing this weekend almost seems out of place, until you know the reason why.
 
To raise awareness for those who may not have shoes, Neumann and Kittell will coach barefoot for Samaritan's Feet Night on Friday, February 5, when Minnesota State University visits the McDowell Activity Center.
 
Fans are encouraged to donate a pair of new youth-sized athletic-style tennis shoes at Friday or Saturday's games. Anyone donating a new pair of youth-sized athletic-style tennis shoes will be admitted free of charge to either night's games. Cash donations will also be accepted both nights for Samaritan's Feet. All shoes donated will stay in the Bismarck area.
 
Last October, Samaritan's Feet distributed shoes to 400 children in the Bismarck area at Carries Kids. Several coaches and student-athletes from U-Mary took part in the shoe distribution, including Neumann's women's basketball team and Kittell's men's basketball team.
 
Friday's doubleheader against Minnesota State begins with the women's game at 6 p.m. with the men's to follow at 8 p.m. On Saturday, February 6, the Marauders host Concordia-St. Paul at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
 
About Samaritan's Feet International
Samaritan's Feet is a 501(c)(3) humanitarian aid organization that shares a message of hope and love through washing the feet of impoverished children around the world and adorning them with new shoes. There are an estimated 2.2 billion people who can't afford basic necessities like shoes and more than 1.5 billion infected with parasitic diseases transmitted through contaminated soil. Since its founding by Manny Ohonme in 2003, Samaritan's Feet and its team of ambassadors and partners have blessed more than 6.5 million children in more than 75 nations. For more information about Samaritan's Feet International, visit www.SamaritansFeet.org.
 
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