Nov. 7, 2008
On November 6, La Salle University Athletics hosted its annual Hoops Madness event, as a jump start to the men's and women's basketball seasons. The event was an opportunity for the teams to showcase their skills for their fans, show them the improvements made in the off-season, and get them excited about the 2008-09 season.
The event was jam packed with activities, including a 3-point contest in which students paired up with members of the women's team. The winning duo included Margaret Elderton and student Justin Walker while the runners-up were Tara Lapetina and student Liam McManus. Both Walker and McManus took home gift certificates the the campus store.
Additionally, the men participated in a dunk contest and were judged by members of the Student Promotions Committee. The evening's winner was Junior Yves Mekongo Mbala.
As a special event, the men and women took part in a dance contest in which they were sponsored by various student organizations to dance for 30 seconds in competition with fellow teammates. The Inter-Fraternity/Sorority Council, who sponsored women's winner Nadia Duncan, will be given a check for $150 for their philanthropy, Pancreatic Cancer, as the Student Government Association, sponsor of men's winner Terrell Williams, will take home a check for $150 which will proceed Coaches vs. Cancer.
Finally, students were given the opportunity to partake in a half court shot attempt, worth $500 for the winner. Freshman James Delbrosse sunk his shot on the second try and was awarded the prize money by head men's basketball coach, Dr. Giannini.
Earlier in the week, the men's and women's team members and coaches mingled with students at the "Meet the Teams" event held in La Salle's Student Union. Lunch was provided for all attendees. Both the head women's coach, Tom Lochner, and the head men's coach, Dr. John Giannini, addressed the crowd and thanked them for their support.
Overall, the events leading up to the home openers have been successful and have certainly generated excitement around the quickly approaching basketball seasons.
Don't miss the basketball home openers at Tom Gola Arena. The men will take on Morgan State on Saturday, November 15 at 2:00 p.m. and the women will play Long Island on Sunday, November 16 at 1:00 p.m.
