Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, October 14, 1995 TAG: 9510150003
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DOUG DOUGHTY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
In the 20 years or so that college basketball teams have celebrated the start of preseason practice by holding Midnight Madness, there has been at least one notable exception.
``We've never done anything like this,'' Virginia coach Jeff Jones said, ``and, quite honestly, I haven't been a big proponent of Midnight Madness. But, when ESPN calls, you can't refuse that kind of exposure.''
Virginia is one of three teams that will be featured, along with Maryland and Michigan, on the segment that ESPN will air in the Eastern time zone starting at midnight.
Other schools observing Midnight Madness include NIT champion Virginia Tech and VMI.
``It's past my bedtime,'' Hokies' coach Bill Foster said. ``I guarantee it. It's strictly a [players'] deal, but we had a hell of a crowd in here last year, probably 4,000 or so. I was amazed at the electricity in the air.''
The Hokies will hold a scrimmage, consisting of two 12-minute halves, as well as a slam-dunk contest and a 3-point contest. Doors will open at 11 p.m., with no charge for admission.
The same applies to VMI and Virginia, where the women's team will take part in the festivities, which include a shooting contest between Jones and women's coach Debbie Ryan. There also will be a chalkboard-punching contest.
``That's no joke,'' said Jones, who suffered a broken right hand last year when he punched a chalkboard at Maryland. ``I'm going to be the judge. We're looking for some innovative and creative techniques, not sheer force.''
Jones said he has been surprised by student response, not always strong during the regular season, and indicated he would be disappointed if University Hall isn't full.
``There has been a question, at times, about what kind of attendance there would be,'' Jones said. ``Last year, Oct.15 fell right in the middle of fall break and there have been other scheduling constraints.
``I just wasn't sure [in the past] how it would go over. We're very, very hopeful that we can have a big crowd because that sends a message through the ESPN airwaves about the support for Virginia basketball.''
by CNB