Midnight Madness begins at the Centennial Center

The launch of the 2005-2006 GC&SU men’s and women’s basketball seasons will begin Oct. 15, with their first official practice sessions at midnight.

This event is called Midnight Madness.

The NCAA does not allow teams to practice until Oct. 15, which is the reason the teams have the midnight practice.

“Midnight Madness is the kickoff to the basketball season, and the event gives the players as well as the students and administration a fun activity to start off the new year,” said Terry Sellers, the men’s basketball head coach.

On a typical Saturday night, there is not much traffic on the Centennial Center gymnasium floor, but this is not a normal Saturday night.

The order of events is as follows: The women’s team will scrimmage for 20 minutes, followed by the men’s team. Then the cheerleaders perform. There is no admission fee, and free pancakes will be served to the fans.

“The tradition of Midnight Madness was founded by the University of Maryland basketball program 15 years ago, as a means to generate and maintain interest amongst the fans and community,” Sellers said.

There is much enthusiasm and excitement on the GC&SU campus for what is arguably its most popular college sport – basketball. Last year, thousands of fans filled the Centennial Center to watch these student athletes showcase their talents.

Ronnie Dennis, a GC&SU student athlete and captain of the men’s basketball team, said, “Midnight Madness is an exciting time, in which the players give the fans and the coaches a chance to see and meet this year’s team.”

Following last year’s 13-15 record, the men’s team returns all but four players from last season, including four starters.

The women’s team posted a 17-11 record last year and also returns many players, including several who received regular playing time.

Today, many college teams follow the blueprint established by Maryland. The GC&SU basketball program has engaged in Midnight Madness since Coach Sellers became head coach in 1992.

“Midnight Madness is an opportunity for the school to meet the student athletes who will be representing their school in competition,” said Stan Aldridge, GC&SU athletic director.

Aldridge described the affair as an event that has escalated into a momentous occasion over the past two years. He said each year there has been a steady increase in interest and attendance.

Dennis transferred to GC&SU from the University of New Hampshire and said he appreciates Midnight Madness. The UNH basketball program does not have an event like Midnight Madness.

“Midnight Madness is such a big event that I fell in love with the college following last years’ performance,” Dennis said.

Clay Jennings, a freshman on the men’s basketball team, has not yet participated in Midnight Madness. Jennings is from Milledgeville and attended Midnight Madness last year, so he is anticipating the opportunity to be a part of the event this year.

With the success of this event over the last couple of years and the assurance from the Aldridge that “Midnight Madness is not going anywhere,” one thing Jennings will not have to worry about is the absence of the event in the near future.

“It feels like Christmas Eve to me,” Sellers said. “The way I can’t wait ’til the next day to really get after practice.”

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Oct 7 2005. Filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry