SPORTS

'Viking Madness' kicks off CSU basketball season

BY ZACH BAUGUESS

As daylight hours and outside temperatures begin to drop, many people tend to go into hibernation, waiting for another cold and wet season to pass. Yet for CSU’s basketball teams, the year is only getting started.

On Saturday Oct. 17 at 5 p.m., Viking Madness kicks off as Cleveland State students have the opportunity to meet the squads of both the men’s and women’s basketball teams as they officially begin their season with some fun-filled practices.

“This is always an exciting time for the basketball programs,” said Kate Peterson-Abiad, head coach for the women’s basketball team. “As the weather cools down and everyone starts complaining about the cold weather, we start to get really excited because we know that means basketball season.”

Cleveland State’s basketball squads look to continue their success from last season when the women brought home a third place finish in the Horizon League, and the men’s team won CSU’s first NCAA berth since the 1985-1986 season. However, they always appreciate the support of fans, especially early on in the season.

For Cleveland State fans, Viking Madness is a perfect opportunity to interact and get to know the players better. Every person in attendance can participate in autograph sessions with the team members, and the first 1,000 fans to arrive will receive a free Viking Madness T-shirt.

“I can’t really express how important it is to have ‘electricity’ in our arena,” coach Peterson-Abiad said. “We are really excited about Viking Madness.”

In addition to all of the basketball-related activities, fans can also enjoy free food and a variety of raffles that range anywhere from free airline tickets to book scholarships to parking passes to a free year-long membership at the CSU Recreation Center.

Fans are encouraged to get to Woodling Gym as early as 4 p.m. when doors will be opening for the event.

During the event, one student will be selected to try a half court shot worth $10,000. If they can sink the shot, the money is all theirs.

Families can arrive at 1 p.m. at the CSU Recreation Center MAC Gym to join in all the Family Fun Fest activities before Viking Madness gets underway at 5 p.m. There families and children will have access to inflatables, face painting, food, prizes and balloon artists.

Parking is available for those wanting to attend in the CSU East Garage.