Midnight madness

Free burritos, a homecoming pep rally and a chance at a three-quarter court shot for free tuition are highlights of Midnight Madness, beginning at 9:45 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at Henry Crown Fieldhouse.

According to NCAA rules, Division III basketball teams can begin practice at midnight on Oct. 24. To celebrate the beginning of the season, the Athletic Department, the Women's Athletic Association, the Order of the C, Superfans, the Alumni Association and Student Government have joined together to present this season's men's and women's basketball teams.

The first 200 students will receive free T-shirts, and every student will receive a free raffle ticket. Every 10 minutes, five tickets will be drawn to receive free hats. Those with hats will be invited onto the court at the end of the evening, and two of them will get the chance to try a three-quarter court shot for free tuition ($20,000).

The evening will begin with a pep rally for the football team and fall sports teams. At 11:45 p.m., the basketball teams will be introduced and there will be a 3-point contest between the men's and women's teams, followed by a slam-dunk contest -- with University "celebrity judges" -- open to all.

"It's going to be really exciting," said Jenny Costello, captain of the women's basketball team, president of the Women's Athletic Association and one of the organizers of the event. "There will be a lot of free stuff -- mini-footballs, homecoming cups, food and tons of prizes. Everyone who comes will have a good time. Last year over 500 fans were present, this year we want to top that."