Oct. 21, 2009

CHARLOTTE, NC - Panning for Gold host AJ Mead closed his pre-season interview with head men's basketball coach Bobby Lutz stating "the gaunlet has been thrown out." And with that, Charlotte 49ers fans were challenged to show that they wanted him to "Bring Back the 'Stache" that he donned for his first eight seasons as the Charlotte 49ers leader.

In that interview, Coach Lutz said, "There's a chance. Fans need to let me know somehow that they really want me to do that." Fans have responded by creating a Facebook group that now stands at over 300 and has grown there in just a few days. Support for the return of Lutz's mustache can be shown by joining the group by clicking here.

Also, Niner Nation will have the opportunity to display their own mustache online at Charlotte49ers.com. A "Bring Back the 'Stache" photo page will posted to begin voting on the best mustache sent in by fans. The top three fans will be involved in a feature at halftime of the home opener against UNC Asheville on November 13th as part of "Bring Back the 'Stache Night". Fans can submit photos to niner@uncc.edu.

The Charlotte 49ers basketball teams kick off their seasons on Thursday, October 22 at 9pm with the annual Basketball Madness presented by Barnes and Noble at UNC Charlotte. Fans will have a second opportunity to preview the team on Saturday, October 24 at 11am as part of 49ers Fan Day - and interactive fan event involving team scrimmages, a clinic, autographs, and more. Charlotte kicks off its home schedule in an exhibition match-up with Johnson C. Smith on November 5 at 7pm, with the home opener on November 13. The 49ers women begin their 2009 season at home on November 16 at 7pm as they take on South Carolina. Tickets are available at the Charlotte 49ers Athletic Ticket Office by calling 704.687.4949 or by clicking here.