ESPN’s Trey Wingo will host Lehigh’s first annual Midnight Madness on Friday evening, October 15 beginning at 11:30 pm in Leeman-Turner Arena at Grace Hall which is to be aired live on Service Electric television.
Both the Lehigh men’s and women’s teams will be on display for an evening that will consist of the unveiling of the men’s Patriot League Championship banner, highlight videos from last season, speeches by both head coaches, Billy Taylor and
Sue Troyan, a three-point contest, a dunk contest, a scrimmage.
Several student activities are planned such as an eating contest between several fraternities, a class lay-up contest, a half-court shot and other raffle giveaways throughout the night. Midnight Madness will help each program build momentum early on the season which will hopefully land them a spot in the 2005 NCAA tournament.
Taylor, the two-time Patriot League Coach of the Year, is excited about Midnight Madness and anxious to get the 2004-05 season underway. “Midnight Madness will be a great event for the entire Lehigh campus. Our student-athletes can interact and connect in a very close setting with our most loyal and boisterous fans, the Lehigh students.”
Just as excited as Taylor is the entire Mountain Hawk team as they prepare to defend their championship from a season ago. “Our team is very excited about the event as we are eager to show everyone how hard we have worked to prepare for the defense of our Patriot League Regular Season and Tournament Championships.” Taylor concludes, “The involvement of Trey Wingo from ESPN also creates a tremendous buzz which instantly makes Lehigh's Midnight Madness one of the most noteworthy events in the entire country!”
Troyan is just as excited as Taylor to get after it this winter on the hardwood and this event is a perfect way to kick off the season for her and the Mountain Hawks. "We are very appreciative of the support our program has received from throughout the Lehigh community," said Troyan, "and we are looking forward to getting practice underway. It is exciting to have this event as a kickoff to what we hope will be an excellent season for both programs."
The entire evening should last until approximately 1:00 am and admission is free.
