‘Midnight Madness’ Intros TAMIU Basketball Season Sunday

Caffeine-based drinks will probably be in high supply for the start of a new Texas A&M International University tradition this Sunday. From 8 p.m. to midnight, the University’s Athletics Department will host “Midnight Madness” featuring TAMIU’s 2007-2008 Men’s and Women’s basketball teams.

The event is free of charge and will take place in the Kinesiology/Convocation Building.

The community is invited to attend the event, meet players and participate in contests, a free pizza party and a Wendy’s 4-shot contest for a chance to win $10,000.

Stephone Leary, Men's Basketball coach and Midnight Madness organizer, said Midnight Madness will be a celebration that leads up to midnight of Oct. 15, the official day that the NCAA allows university basketball teams across the nation to begin practicing for the new season.

“We want the University and community to attend this large event and help us make it into a tradition that we look forward to yearly,” Leary said, “We will have live entertainment, a Men's vs. Women's 3-point shootout, Men's slam dunk contest, Men's and Women's scrimmage as well as a DJ and a really fun environment for friends and families to enjoy as they meet our teams.”

Comedian Rip Michaels will also make a special presentation during the program.

Those attending can participate in a 3-on-3 tournament. Registration starts at 7 p.m.

TAMIU’s basketball program started in 2003. It is in its second year as a member of the NCAA Division II Heartland Conference.

For further information, please contact Trey Austin, assistant director of sports information, at 326-3007, e-mail taustin@tamiu.edu, visit offices in Dr. F. M. Canseco Hall 203 or click on the new GoDustdevils.com

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu