‘Madness’ in Murray for hoops practice

The Murray State men’s basketball team will be included in ESPNU’s seventh annual Midnight Madness telecast on the first day of the college basketball season when the Racers have their own Racer Madness Oct. 12 at the CFSB Center.
Racer Madness begins at 9:15 p.m. at the CFSB Center, admission is $5. MSU students get in free and seating is on a first-come first-serve basis.
ESPNU will be on the air for four hours (From 8 p.m. to midnight central time) with live look-ins from 13 schools including the Racers’ home court as fans get their first look of the 2012-13 Murray State Basketball teams. The Racers are the only mid-major school to be featured in the program that also includes: Baylor, Florida State, Georgetown, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Pittsburgh and Syracuse.
“Having ESPNU broadcast live from the CFSB Center is another bonus from last season,” MSU Director of Athletics Allen Ward said.
Oct. 12 is the first day in which the NCAA allows teams to practice. Racer Madness also coincides with Murray State Homecoming.
“I’m happy for our fans and the alums in town for homecoming to have the chance to see our team,” MSU head coach Steve Prohm said. “Any time we can showcase Murray State basketball to a national audience on one the ESPN networks, it is great exposure for us.”
“We wanted to start off the season with a bit of a new look and change the usual Fan Jam from late in the month to the first possible day the teams can practice,” said Paul Bubb, Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs. “The idea was very attractive when it’s MSU Homecoming weekend and having ESPNU in the CFSB Center is a great addition as well.”
Racer Madness will feature the introduction of both the men’s and women’s basketball teams and a 3-point shooting contest among student-athletes of each team. There will also be a men’s team scrimmage and a slam dunk contest.
Fans also get into the act through a variety of interaction during the event, including one fan that will be drawn for an opportunity to win $10,000 cash. There is also a drawing among Racer Club members to win tickets and hotel accommodations for the 2013 OVC Basketball Tournament. Multiple additional prizes will be given away during the evening. Racer Madness also includes performances from the Racer Band, cheerleaders and Racer Girls.
MSU students and Stampede members will be able to enter the CFSB Center at Gate C at 9:10 p.m.
“We have included more time for a scrimmage this year, as well as the 3-point and slam dunk contest,” Bubb added. Published in The WCP 9.27.12

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