Warrior Madness Launches
Nearby residents could probably hear the chants and cheers coming from Warrior Arena last October 17 when the University kicked off the second annual Warrior Madness event. Students showed up ready to cheer on the Warriors as they demonstrated their school support by wearing Jessup swag.
Designed to create momentum and excitement, the night serves as Jessup basketball’s first event on campus to showcase the start of both men’s and women’s basketball seasons. The evening kicked off outside the arena with Jessup’s Cheer, STUNT and Advancement staff helping to drive enthusiasm by encouraging students to paint their faces blue and white, representing the Blue Brigade, a tradition started by former Class President Preston Miller. As a student, Miller joined forces with other students and attended sporting events, cheering on the Warriors while adorned with their hard-to-miss face paint. The trend eventually led Miller, then an alumnus, to offer a scholarship designed to award a student who showed their school spirit attending games in this manner.
The night kicked off with a 40-minute basketball game among voluntary faculty and staff. The teams were comprised of 21 members and Student Life’s P.J. Garza and Jerome Williams who opted to referee the high-intensity contest.
After the introductory game, smoke and energizing lights filled the arena as the individual men’s and women’s basketball team players were announced. Following their introduction, Jessup’s three-time STUNT champions unveiled their championship banner and performed for the crowd. What followed was a Warrior relay competition that involved students sliding on air mattresses across the gym! Next was a 3-point shooting contest and a skills challenge game culminating with a slam dunk contest, complete with a panel of judges. Prizes included a smart TV, free Chick-fil-A for an entire year and $5,000 toward Fall 2025 tuition if a student was able to score a half-court shot!
The night didn’t end there. After the arena festivities, attendees were encouraged to enjoy a pizza after-party, boba truck offerings and an outdoor concert by Emma and the Rats.
To learn more about the Blue Brigade Scholarship started by alumnus Preston Miller, visit: https://jessup.edu/article/alumni-giving-creates-opportunity/
