For Immediate Release: Wednesday, 15 October, 2003
Contact: Dave Geringer, UTPA Sports Information Director, (956) 381-2240

UTPA'S MIDNIGHT MADNESS SET FOR FRIDAY EVENING

EDINBURG, TX-A slam dunk contest, a three-point shootout and the reappearance of the new and improved athletic department mascot at The University of Texas-Pan American will be among the highlights as the UTPA men's and women's basketball teams mark the start of the 2003-2004 college basketball season with Midnight Madness this Friday evening, October 17th.

The festivities will begin with a tailgate party outside the UTPA Fieldhouse. Activities inside the fieldhouse will begin with a special performance by the UTPA Cheerleaders at 10:35 p.m.

Texas-Pan American's new and improved mascot, Bucky, will also be on hand. Bucky, who has not been seen since the end of the last school year, will reappear during the Midnight Madness festivities.

The Broncs and Lady Broncs will be introduced just before the teams take the floor. At midnight, the teams will take the court. The program is being coordinated by UTPA's Director of Campus Activities, Charlie Caceres and Coordinator of Athletic Marketing Craig Pintens.

"The highlight of the tailgate competition is the Second Annual Fajita Cook-off, which is the prelude to Midnight Madness," said Caceres. "We have 12 student organizations participating, and contests like jalapeno eating, hot dog eating and watermelon eating. We'll have Kid Mike from B-104 playing from 7 to 10 p.m. in front of the fieldhouse, and the cheerleaders will be practicing to teach everyone the cheers. At 10:15, we'll have the burning of the letters, and our first performance inside the fieldhouse will be the unveiling of something new. We've got a surprise for the audience."

"Midnight madness is fun for everyone, it's the kickoff of the basketball season, and it gives the fans an opportunity to have fun and get their first peek at this year's teams," said Pintens. "It's a great opportunity to get out and get in the mood for the basketball season."

"It's great to be able to couple the beginning of basketball practice with student activities to create excitement for campus spirit," said UTPA Head Men's Basketball Coach Bob Hoffman. "It sets the tone for the enthusiasm of our school for basketball, and creates a game-like atmosphere for your first appearance on the floor with your new players."

"Midnight madness is the celebration at the end of pre-season training," said UTPA Head Women's Basketball Coach DeAnn Craft. "It's the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, when kids have been working hard during pre-season. It's a celebration of campus spirit and team spirit, and this is the part of the year that says it's now basketball season."

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