DAHLONEGA - The University of North Georgia Department of Athletics signed six-year-old Hudson Carpenter to the Nighthawk Nation family as part of Saturday's Make-A-Wish Day at the No. 24 men's basketball team's home victory over Lander. "Huddy" signed his name to the dotted line during a pregame signing ceremony with his family beside him and the men's basketball team with him in support.

The Nighthawk Nation welcomed the Carpenter back from Huddy's wish – just a day removed from returning from a week-long trip to Disney World. After signing a one-day contract for a roster spot on head coach Dan Evans' men's basketball team, he joined the team in the locker room and on the floor for pregame warmups.

Huddy was announced as an honorary starter as his family sat courtside for North Georgia's win over Lander. Throughout the day, he met student-athletes from the school's 13 sports teams and received a gift basket filled with North Georgia memorabilia.
 
Led by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), UNG Nighthawk athletics provides the perfect example of the commitment to Division II's long-standing relationship with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses.
 
Since 2010, Nighthawk Athletics has raised over $219,000 for Make-A-Wish, having raised at least $10,000 in every year since, meaning more than 21 wishes have been granted from the efforts of the Nighthawk Nation.
 
North Georgia has now hosted 11 wish visits in partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.