Although it feels as though football and fall have just begun at Harding University, basketball is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate it than the annual Midnight Madness? Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams have been hard at work preparing for their respective seasons, and they are ready to be put on display for the entire university to see.
The event, which will be on Oct.15, has featured a club three-point shooting contest, games for randomly drawn students to win cash, pump-up videos narrated by Harding legend Chancellor Cliff Ganus Jr., an introduction of each basketball player on the roster, a dunk contest, and a half-court shot for half tuition to a randomly drawn student. For sophomore women’s basketball player Montana Lewis, however, it is about much more than that.
“The one thing I’m looking forward to at Midnight Madness this year is seeing everyone come out to support us,” Lewis said.
Lewis is excited to experience Midnight Madness from courtside this fall for the second time and still has fond memories from a year ago.
“My best memory from Midnight Madness last year was being able to experience the atmosphere of the Rhodes for the first time as an actual Harding basketball player,” Lewis said.
For many players it is exciting to get back into the Rhodes, but for others like Hayden Johnson, a junior on the men’s team, it is about having a good time.
“My favorite thing about Midnight Madness is always the dunk contest,” Johnson said. “I remember when Jordan (Layrock) jumped over Dr. Burks and everyone went crazy.”
The players really look forward to putting on a fun show for all the fans that come out and never seem to disappoint the Rhodes Rowdies. In addition to all those things, Midnight Madness gives the freshmen their first chance at some of the classic Rhodes Rowdies chants. Midnight Madness never ceases to have its fair share of power claps, defense chants and Harding fight songs. And Dr. Burks always seems to find his way into some trouble by fouling out and giving the students their first chance to escort a player back to the bench in a way that could only be truly accomplished in the Rhodes Fieldhouse. As one last perk for the fans, there is always the chance to to make the half-court shot for a big check from Harding, and Johnson has a feeling that this might be the year it happens.
“I’m looking forward to the half-court shot for half tuition this year; I think somebody is going to make it,” Johnson said.
