The Iona College women’s basketball team kicked off the 2010-2011 campaign with the celebration of Maroon Madness on Friday, October 22, 2010 in the Hynes Athletics Center.
“Maroon Madness is a great event,” Head Coach Anthony Bozzella said. “Our student body comes out in full force, and this event gets all the fans fired up for the season ahead. Liz Faia and her staff do a terrific job putting this event together.”
Maroon Madness served as one of the marquee events of Iona's Homecoming Weekend. The evening featured performances by the Iona pipe band, cheerleaders, dance team, step team, and Born Talent (who performed the Iona basketball song). The event also included an assortment of prizes, contests, and promotions.
The players and coaches received a special introduction as they entered the gym one at a time to the roaring applause of the energetic crowd. The gym was packed with Iona students, alumni, and fans of all ages.
“The atmosphere is really exciting,” freshman forward/center Sabrina Jeridore said. “The support of the fans means a lot to us.”
Iona unveiled a banner honoring the Gaels’ 2010 WNIT berth. Senior guard Suzi Fregosi and Director of Basketball Operations Thazina Cook (a senior on last year’s team) conducted the unveiling of the banner.
“It’s a big honor,” Fregosi said. “It’s nice to know that we’ve made our mark.”
The Maroon & Gold posted an 18-14 record (13-5 MAAC) last year, finishing second in the MAAC standings. The Gaels’ appearance in the 2010 WNIT marked the program’s third postseason berth in the last four years.
The team delivered a real treat to the crowd at Maroon Madness by performing a skit that included a workout session, dance-off, and offbeat costumes. Senior guard Marissa Flagg and team manager Eric Alston originated the idea and incorporated suggestions from several players.
“We tried to incorporate everything that’s new and hip,” Flagg said. “Everybody grasped the steps really quickly.”
Senior guard/forward Catherine Lutz and junior Jermel Jenkins from the men’s team each paired up with an Iona student and competed in a shooting contest. Some of the men’s players performed a dunking exhibition.
Assistant Director of Athletics Elizabeth Faia coordinated the festivities. Alumnus Scott O'Donnell (Class of 2010) and Associate AD Brian Beyrer shared the role of master of ceremonies. At the end of the evening, Coach Bozzella and Coach Tim Cluess from the men’s basketball team addressed the audience and thanked the fans for their support.
Maroon Madness was truly a special event for the Iona community.
Article Courtesy of Michael Sacks
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