Corpus Christi Declares Wednesday, April 25, Joseph Kilgore Day
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – April 25 has always been a special day for Joseph Kilgore, a member of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Islanders Men’s Basketball team. This year, Kilgore will celebrate his 22nd birthday with all of Corpus Christi, as Mayor Joe McComb presented a proclamation declaring Wednesday, April 25, as “Joseph Kilgore Day.”
The proclamation was made Tuesday, April 24, at the Corpus Christi City Council Meeting. During the proclamation reading, Kilgore was surrounded by his family, friends and fellow Islanders. Izzy the Islander and several members of the Island University cheer and dance team were also present to show their support.
“This week I get to introduce Superman because this guy can really fly!” said McComb to the crowd, as he prepared to read the proclamation. “I encourage all citizens to join the celebration and to congratulate Joseph for giving the children of Corpus Christi a positive role model.”
This announcement is just the latest in a long line of recent accomplishments for the Islanders Men’s Basketball senior captain and leading scorer. Last month, recording a perfect score of 50, Kilgore took home the title of Slam Dunk Champion at the 2018 State Farm College Slam Dunk Contest Championship after performing a Vince Cater-esque style dunk – putting the City of Corpus Christi and the Island University on the national stage. The contest, held at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, was part of the NCAA Final Four festivities and aired live on ESPN 2 for millions to see. His performance earned him a place on ESPN’s Top 10 at the number 5 spot that evening.
“I’m excited and I’m blessed to be here and thankful for everything that has been going on,” said Kilgore, a senior business major who is planning to walk the stage this May during the spring 2018 commencement ceremony. “This is just icing on the cake.”
Kilgore has recorded the Island University’s first ever triple-double, which includes 24 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists, and led the team in every statistical category except blocks. After scoring more than 1,000 points during his basketball career at the Island University, Kilgore reached the 1,000 Point Club last season.
“I would like to thank Joseph and his family for all of the contributions they have made to this program. He is just a fabulous athlete,” said Willis Wilson, head coach for the Islanders Men’s Basketball Team. “Joseph is a terrific basketball player but he has always been a better person.”
The Islanders Men’s Basketball team has won 80 games over the past four seasons, appeared in the post-season each year, received 12 Southland Conference Awards, earned the National Coach of the Year award.
