While most colleges were holding Midnight Madness last week, Georgetown postponed the unveiling of the basketball teams due to the threat of low attendance posed by Columbus Day weekend. The traditional start of the college basketball season, Midnight Madness stokes the coals of excitement and anticipation for the upcoming season. While Midnight Madness is cherished on other college campuses, it seems to have eluded the same status at Georgetown.
Before the 10:30 p.m. start, the crowd gathered outside the arena for some spirited standing around and talking. The occasional “HOYA … SAXA” cheer was yelled, but the crowd generally acted content to conserve six months of pent-up anticipation for inside.
Perhaps pent-up anticipation is an overstatement. Once inside, the crowd seemed like it was at a high school volleyball game. As the fans filed in, there was little to be heard other than idle chitchat.
The first event of the night was the faculty-student basketball game. A squad led by GUSA Vice President Mason Ayer (SFS ‘03) and fan-favorite Emily Sun (SFS ‘04) faced off against the faculty squad led by Father Pat Conroy, history professor John McNeill and government professor Scott Taylor. Despite a close game that saw the students leading 15-13 at halftime, the only crowd noise came in the form of a collective sigh as Conroy botched a lay-up attempt in the first half.
Handouts seemed to be the only way to get the students to their feet. At halftime, the suddenly noisy sections vied for the T-shirts to be thrown their way. The crowd was relegated to silence again as the second half got underway. The students went on to win 29-27, propelled by a swell in crowd noise as the game ended.
“[The crowd] started out a bit flat, but slowly jelled into a cohesive force,” said Doug Mackey (CAS ‘06).
The GU Kickline’s performance followed the game. Despite the team’s kicking proficiency, the Hoya Blue Balls, a juggling duo, upstaged them. After balancing a bicycle and a shopping cart on their chins, they went through a routine that featured everything from pins to knives. The best was yet to come, however, and the Blue Balls did not disappoint as their flaming devil-sticks set the crowd ablaze. With every new trick, the noise in the stands grew louder until they left the court to frenzied applause.
Several dance troupes performed, including Groove Theory and Hoya Break Squad. While they received warm receptions, the crowd appeared restless until the prospect of free pizza breathed life into the dying arena.
A pizza box stacking competition was met with crowd approval. However many dreams were soon dashed as it became apparent that free pizza for all was not in the cards. Once this dream was shattered, the crowd watched apathetically as the competition raged on. Thanks for the free boxes, Pizza Hut!
As the clock neared the witching hour, the Hoya faithful crowd filled the arena in anticipation. Some more senseless dancing was met with the standard smattering of applause and the stage was finally set. Once the lights went out and only bright glo-sticks lit the stands, the spark missing all night had finally arrived.
“It was a real awesome moment. That’s when you realize that this is our team,” said Elaine Kulm (NUR ‘06). “Then, you’re in it for the long haul.”
The women’s team came out to an enthused crowd. As the introductions proceeded, the crowd gave the team a strong ovation.
For the main event, the men’s team came out and received a champion’s welcome. The crowd was rejuvenated at the sight of the players. They were introduced to spirited applause with the loudest cheers reserved for junior ?berforward Mike Sweetney. Despite the enthusiasm displayed for the players, Head Coach Craig Esherick was not as warmly received; the crowd rained down boos.
Once Esherick sought shelter from the storm, the players took over the court for a quick scrimmage. A raucous crowd cheered on the Hoyas as they put on a solely offensive display. First-year forward Brandon Bowman brought the crowd to its feet with two impressive slams.
The crowd quickly dispersed following the scrimmage. They missed a good show in a three-point contest, where women’s sophomore guard Mary Lisicky shot eight of 12 in overtime. As the final fans filtered out, the excitement was gone, and only hopes for the season remained.
“I hope we win a few games so the crowd makes the games fun to go to,” said J.R. Kennedy (CAS ‘06). “Otherwise, it will be like all of those dance breaks.”
