The men’s and women’s basketball teams gathered for a night of excitement and fun on Friday, Oct.12 for the first “Madness at Midnight” celebration. Nearly 300 attended to get their first glimpse at the basketball teams. Free jambalaya and drinks were served, and there were many opportunities for the audience to participate in the night’s festivities. Madness at Midnight is an annual kick-off event for hundreds of college basketball teams around the country.
“This is an event that brings unity between Nicholls, and the community,” Quinn Strander, associate head coach said. “Tonight, students will be able to get involved in the sport of basketball. Tonight will reflect in the rest of our games, because more students will want to come out and watch basketball. There is free food, prizes and the tournament; you can’t ask for more than this.”
Gary Galllup, Director of the Colonel Club opened up the festivities with the three-on-three tournament. Twenty teams, composed of Nicholls’ students battled for cash prizes.
Placing third was Dynasty, consisting of players Jason Wilson, Freddrick Brooks, Rodrick Allen and Dorial Marshall. Dirty Third, consisting of Michael Childs, Dominic Michell, Jarred Burrell and Quincy Jones placed second.
After nearly three hours of competition, the dynamic trio of The Shire Boys placed first. The players were Archie Triggs, Randy Craig and Brandon Washington.
At midnight, the Colonel cheerleaders pumped up the crowd with creative dance routines, and technical stunts. Basketballs, autographed by the Nicholls basketball teams, were presented to local sponsors by Rob Bernardi, Director of Athletics.
Throughout the night, several contests were held. Arial Weinburg and Ashley Matherne both won $25 in the “Best Pajama” contest. In the “Best Painted Face” contest, Alicia Verret won a cash prize of $50. Matt Clemente, a financing major from Gramercy, LA was given the chance to make a shot from half-court for $1,000 tuition. Clemente failed at the attempted shot.
The men’s and women’s teams competed in a three-point shoot-out. The women defeated the men 31-24. To close off the night, the men competed in a slam dunk contest. Damien Lennon performed a “leap over the ball rack” dunk and won the title of Slam-Dunk Champion.
” I am so glad to see so many people here having fun,” Ricky Broussard, Head Coach said. “This is really our only opportunity to interact with the student body, and the teams are loving it. The participation from the student body has been wonderful, and we are already gathering up new ideas for next year. This has been a huge success for everyone who planned to make this event what it is.”
