The Athletics Department at Pearl River Community College is launching an effort to bring together the local community, surrounding areas and school athletics.

This is Jason Francis’ second year as the Pearl River Community College’s Athletic Director and he said he has noticed a slight disconnect between the community and the athletics department.

Francis said he wants to get everyone into the same family. 

“It is my goal to promote and strengthen the strong connection PRCC athletics has with our local community,” Francis said. 

The first project is directed towards local business owners, Francis said. The department will be dispersing “game day” t-shirts to local business owners.

The intention is to have the employees of these businesses wear these shirts on Pearl River football game days, Francis said. 

Francis began with 200 shirts and since Tuesday, he said he has distributed half of them. 

Francis said there are already a number of business “on board,” including: Apple’s LTD, Norman Tyner Alfa Insurance, Poplarville Financial Services, MS Power, John Pigott Allstate Agency, Hancock Bank (Poplarville, Picayune, Stennis and Kiln branches), Poplarville Dental Clinic, Halls Service Station, Pearl River Drug and Tropical Body Bliss. 

Francis has 100 shirts still available and they will be given out on a first come first serve basis, he said. 

If any business owner is interested in participating, contact Francis at jfrancis@prcc.edu and provide the number of shirts and sizes desired. 

“Please remember, to receive these shirts, you must agree to have your employees wear the shirts on Pearl River football game days,” Francis said. 

Francis said there are large football schedule posters and pocket schedules available at the Poplarville Chamber of Commerce at 101 N. Main St. 

Francis said his department is involved in many other community projects, including: “Movies on Main” in Poplarville. 

“Movies on Main” occurs once a month in downtown Poplarville, Francis said. A movie is shown on a large screen and families and friends have the opportunity to have picnics and spend time together. 

Francis said student athletes attend the event.

The PRCC athletes also participate in “Wednesday at One”, Francis said. 

“Each Wednesday, different players from each sport attend classes at the Upper Elementary and make a presentation at the school about athletics,” Francis said. 

Francis said there are many other projects being discussed and if anyone has ideas can contact him by email.