Oct. 15, 2009

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. -- The Marist Department of Athletics will begin the 2009-10 basketball seasons on Friday, Oct. 23, at its sixth annual "Marist Madness" event. The evening will begin at 7 p.m., in the McCann Center, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a free "Let's Go Marist" poster, and the first 500 students will receive the official 2009-10 Marist Athletics Fan T-shirt.

The night's festivities include performances by the Marist College cheerleaders, dance team and band. Other activities include the Marist Housing Department Slam Dunk Contest, a shooting skills competition and one randomly chosen fan will have the chance to win $10,000 by making a half-court shot.

Fans will be introduced to both the Marist men's and women's basketball teams for the first time, and will hear from men's head coach Chuck Martin and women's head coach Brian Giorgis.

Directly following Marist Madness, fans are invited to stick around as the men's and women's programs will host their annual Red vs. White scrimmages. Each team will play 10 minute rotating periods.

Admission is free and food will also be available. For more information call the Marist Ticket Office at (845) 575-3553.