Midnite Madness is on its way
Oct. 12 event features music, contests right up to the teams’ debut at 12:01 a.m.

By Matt Terwilliger, Intercollegiate Athletics

Students wave the Cal flag during last fall’s Midnite Madness in Haas Pavilion.

10 October 2001 | Midnite Madness comes to Berkeley Friday, Oct. 12, when the Cal men’s and women’s basketball teams make their 2001-02 debuts at Haas Pavilion. Doors open at 10:30 p.m. and admission is free.

The teams won’t take to the court until 12:01 a.m., but the evening will be filled with contests and entertainment leading up to the big event. The Cal Dance Team, the Straw Hat Band and the Mic Men will all participate, and local troupes Funk Addiction and Dance Juncta will perform dance routines. DJ Solomon of the Golden State Warriors and KMEL Radio will provide the music.

Throughout the night, fans may participate in contests out on the court, including a three-point shootout and a slam dunk challenge. T-shirts, hats and other items will be given away to those who arrive early.

In addition, students will be able to purchase season tickets to Cal basketball games that night. Look for the signs to the ticket area inside Haas Pavilion.

The first moment the Cal teams can begin practice for the upcoming season — 12:01 a.m. — both the men’s and women’s teams will be introduced to the crowd and will go through several opening drills and a brief scrimmage.

Fans are asked to bring canned food donations to the Alameda County Food Bank, and collection barrels will be set out outside of Haas.

The Cal men’s basketball team is coming off a 20-11 season and a berth in the 2001 NCAA Tournament. The Bears return four starters — guards Shantay Legans and Brian Wethers, forward Joe Shipp and center Solomon Hughes — and seven other lettermen. They have also added four talented freshmen, including Parade All-American center Jamal Sampson.

The Cal women finished the 2001-02 season with a 12-16 overall record and an 8-10 Pac-10 mark. The eight conference wins were the most for the Bears since 1992-93. Senior forward Ami Forney is expected to lead the Bears this year, as she averaged 10.0 ppg and 7.9 rpg (fourth in the Pac-10) a year ago. Cal also returns six other players from last season and welcomes nine talented newcomers.

The men have exhibition games on Nov. 5 and 9 leading up to the regular-season opener Nov. 15 against Princeton in the first round of the BCA Classic in Haas Pavilion. The women play their exhibitions Nov. 4 and 12, then start the year officially vs. San Diego State Nov. 18 in Haas.

For information about Midnite Madness, visit CalBears.com or call the Cal Marketing Office at 642-2444.