Spartans Enjoy The Midnight Madness Experience
10/11/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Oct. 11, 2006
EAST LANSING, Mich. - For Michigan State Basketball players, Midnight Madness is a lot like Halloween is for kids--excitement, anticipation, preparation. One big difference for the players however, is the thousands of fans who will pour into the Breslin Center on Friday, Oct. 13 to see them in costume as they kickoff of the 2006 season. This year, the "Fright Night" theme will allow players and fans alike to relive the feelings of childhood as everyone is invited to come in costume to one of the most exciting nights of the season. Doors open for the event at 9 p.m.
"Growing up in Bosnia we didn't have Halloween," said redshirt sophomore Goran Sutton. "When I moved here in high school I went out trick or treating as a huge monster because it was a new experience for me, so I think "Fright Night," should be fun."
But ghosts, goblins and monsters aren't for everyone.
"I was always the funny guy, so I didn't have scary costumes or anything," said freshman Raymar Morgan.
But despite their differing opinions in costumes choices, each player who has been on the court for Midnight Madness before has similar memories. The thrill they felt the first time their name was called is unforgettable.
"My first experience at Midnight Madness was last year," said sophomore Travis Walton. "It was exciting being around that big of a crowd for the first time. It was the first time I saw just how much people really like Michigan State basketball."
So with the memory of last season's "Spartan Salute" still fresh in his mind, Walton and the rest of the team will open up the 2006-07 season by signing autographs and playing the first scrimmage in front of a full house at Breslin.
Whether head coach Tom Izzo arrives on a horse or a bus, the players and the fans are going to be excited--and Michigan State Basketball enthusiasts know how to show their support.
"Coming to Midnight Madness for the first time was fun," said Sutton. "It was something different, especially the part where you come out and everybody is yelling your name, and the crowd is going nuts."
While the experience changes as players get older, the number of fans still stirs up the same anticipation.
"The first time my heart was beating so hard," said Drew Neitzel. "I was just real excited. It's a little bit different now as you get older, but it's still really exciting with the crowd."
Yet for Morgan and the rest of the freshmen class, the true Spartan experience still awaits.
"I haven't been to a Midnight Madness yet," said Morgan. "Last year I got to experience it through T.V. and I loved the environment. I'm really looking forward to coming out and playing with the guys."
