Students packed Finnegan Fieldhouse on Oct. 24 for a basketball pep rally, Baron Madness—and a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship.
Before the doors opened for the event, students gathered in a long line outside the fieldhouse, which was illuminated with a green spotlight. At 9:15 p.m., the doors opened, and students flooded inside to an enthusiastic greeting from the Baronettes dance team, who cheered and waved green pom-poms.
After Rev. Rufino Corona began the event with a prayer, the men’s and women’s basketball teams emerged one by one from behind curtains to cheers from the crowd. As each player walked out, an announcer shared their name, number, position and home state, with green smoke blasting into the air around the player.
In addition to the team introductions, Baron Madness was punctuated by contests and giveaways. Students’ names were chosen from a bucket of raffle tickets to participate in various games and compete to win gift cards.
Contests included a 3-point competition, a dunk competition and a game of knockout. Student Body President Paul Bremberg offered a choice to the winners of each competition: a $20 gift card, or a double-or-nothing chance to shoot a basket. If contestants made the basket, they could take home a $50 gift card, but if they missed, a runner-up contestant received the prize instead.
The biggest prize of the evening was a $1,000 scholarship. Nearly 100 students lined up to attempt a half-court shot and win the scholarship. Student after student missed the net until Luke Aaron, an Apostles of Mary intent, finally achieved the shot. He was thronged by dozens of basketball players and friends after his winning throw.
Two household scrimmages marked the grand finale of the event. First, Magdalena defeated Theotokos in a high-energy game riddled with fouls. A close match between Disciples of the Word and Apostles of Mary followed, with Disciples of the Word triumphing after a last-minute free throw.
With contests, a scholarship and team introductions, Baron Madness was filled with enthusiasm, boding well for a spirited basketball season.