(Jordan Giles / Fourth Estate)
Masses filled Eagle Bank Arena to celebrate the upcoming basketball season
BY CHRISTABEL BOAKYE YIADOM, STAFF WRITER
Loud music filled the expanse of EagleBank Arena as Mason Madness attendees slowly filed in, green light wands in hand, and took their seats to celebrate the opening of the basketball season. People danced, cheered and sang as they waited for the event to start.
Mason Madness is a long-standing tradition at Mason that encourages Patriot pride. It is the commencement event of the basketball season — for both the men’s and women’s teams — that introduces the coaches and players to the Mason community while presenting the aspirations and goals of the teams for the season.
The event started with loud music from the GMU Green Machine band, directed by Doc Nix. The Masonettes, the school’s official dance team, put on an amazing performance that had people in the crowd riled up and excited.
At the end of the student performances, the introduction of the Mason women’s basketball team began. Upbeat music played as members of the team — players, assistant coaches and directors — walked down the stage to the floor of the arena, throwing shirts into the frenzied crowd as they went on the court.
The head coach of the women’s basketball team, Vanessa Blair–Lewis, was introduced to the audience last. As she walked down a set of stairs with smoke flaring around her, the crowd gave her a standing ovation.
“We are squaring ourselves this year,” said Blair-Lewis in a speech regarding the team’s growth.
She also talked about the plans for the season, gave an overview of upcoming games and encouraged people to come watch the women’s team play.
After Blair-Lewis’ remarks, the men’s basketball team players and directors were introduced, echoing the same fanfare as the women’s team.
Head Coach Tony Skinn, a former player on the team, addressed the crowd in terms of the team’s plan for the season
“We were really successful last season — 27 wins — most wins in the school’s history, but none of this happens if we don’t win 18 games at home, and we have an opportunity to do the exact same thing and even better…” Skinn said.
(Jordan Giles / Fourth Estate)
The team introductions were followed by a three-point shooting competition between both teams. The game consisted of a half point, layup and free throw, where two players from each team shot. Shouts and screams filled the arena as the women’s basketball team retained their championship title from the previous year’s competition.
The event ended with the Green Machine’s performance of the Mason fight song in their green jerseys as they danced and waved their musical instruments around, showcasing Patriot pride.
The men’s basketball team will play its first game of the season against Wofford at home on November 3, while the women’s basketball team travels to Philadelphia to compete against Temple University.
With the season ahead and spirits high, Patriots are ready to support both teams, carrying the energy of Mason Madness into every game.
Tickets for Mason basketball games at EagleBank Arena are free for students and can be reserved on the Mason 360 app or website.
