Tarleton kicks off homecoming with Midnight Madness

BY REESE KEELING / Art Director 

Tarleton kicked off homecoming week On Monday, Oct. 16 with the annual Midnight Madness. As soon as the clock hit midnight, students started pouring in and filled the entire gym.

The night started with a performance from the cheer team followed by the color guard team. The band, dance team and cheer team then all did a performance together and ended with the Texan baton twirler.

The atmosphere and student engagement was positive and interactive. There were giveaways for airpods, a tv, gift cards and lots of Tarleton merch as well as fan engaged games that were fun for all.

The men and women’s basketball teams were both introduced and brought out to the crowd at midnight. The crowd went wild and both teams had their own individual time to shine as each player walked through the sparking fire and fog.

“Our team and staff are so excited to be part of Midnight Madness,” Texan WBB head coach Bill Brock said before the event. “What an awesome opportunity for our students, community and players to share their enthusiasm for the upcoming basketball season. I can’t wait to see the ‘W’ packed. Go Texans.”

This was coach Brock’s first Tarleton campus wide event and it was a great turn out for him and his players.

Men’s basketball coach, Billy Gillispie, also had only good words to say about Midnight Madness and his team.

“We are so excited to be a part of another ‘Madness,’ it has been so much fun as our students always make it an extremely special event,” Gillispie said. “No one, and I mean no one, does it better than the students at Tarleton State University. Our players and I can’t wait to show our fans what we can do in the best atmosphere anywhere. Let’s go.”

Tarleton definitely did their thing and showed up and showed out in support of the mens and women’s basketball team and homecoming week.