Following the victory of the Union women’s volleyball team Tuesday night in the Fred Delay Gymnasium, Union had its annual Bulldog Madness to kickoff the start of the men’s and women’s basketball season.
The night was filled with several challenges, such as a three-point shot competition between the men’s and women’s basketball teams. A panel of judges watched as the two teams competed in a dunk contest and for the most shots in 30 seconds.
Students and Union alumni gathered in the gym to see the members of the basketball teams showcasing their talents. The competitions filled the gym with laughter and excitement for what is expected to come in the season ahead.
The $1,000 scholarship giveaway gave five students a chance to win if they could make a half-court shot. However, none of the participants were able to make it, and no one was awarded the scholarship.
The Union Homecoming Court was also presented and will be presented again during halftime of the men’s game Saturday at 4 p.m. in the Fred Delay Gymnasium.
During Bulldog Madness, the men’s and women’s teams were introduced and the players were able to show off not only their skills but also a bit of personality as some players danced, waved or cheered as their names were announced through the speaker. The athletic department uses Bulldog Madness to encourage engagement during the basketball season and to get students excited about attending home basketball games.
Rachel Thomas, a junior special education major and cheerleader, was excited by the turnout and hopes it continues throughout the season.
“I love having a crowd at basketball games,” Thomas said. “It makes games much more interesting and fun, I hope students feel encouraged to continue to come out and support the men’s and women’s teams. I am so happy that things are finally starting to truly feel normal, basketball games included, and so I hope students and alumni are excited to be back at games and get involved in the season.”
The night ended with the crowd-favorite “bulldog whisper,” which was led not only by the cheerleaders, but also some of the players.
The first home games of the season are scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 6, in the Fred DeLay Gymnasium. The women’s team will play against the UT Southern Firehawks at 2 p.m., and the men’s team will play Bethel University at 4 p.m.
Photo by Laila Al-Hagal
