After careful deliberation, intense planning, and much concern, Coach Nesta Felix finally uttered the words that the Lady Macs had been anxiously awaiting since last season. The team was free to attend this year’s Men’s Macs Madness. A plan was devised to ensure that the Ladies would not be missing a night’s practice, which included a practice before the 7:30 shuttle to take them straight to the game; no showers necessary. After not being able to attend last year’s basketball extravaganza, my team and I were determined to show our faces at this year’s event. We refused to miss this opportunity to support our fellow athletes, especially with whom we share the same passion of basketball.
Although much of the crowd had dispersed for Thanksgiving break, there was no shortage of excitement in the Max Stern Athletics Center. With Joe Bednarsh serving as the fan photographer, and Ruthie Heller taking videos of the action, the night would be forever documented. The rally towels handed out displayed light blue writing to represent the month’s Prostate Cancer awareness. Heller also ran (pun intended) the halftime show, which let some of the fans participate in a shooting contest. The Macs put on quite a show, and brought the game into overtime, keeping the crowd on its feet, rally towels in hand, for the remainder of the performance. The cheering and Movember Mustaches grew along with the nervousness. Would the fighting Maccabees be able to capture the victory against the Hawks?
The Macs battled hard, but the full court miracle was not taking center stage that night. However, the intensity and excitement was felt so strongly around the gym that us, fans really felt like we were a part of the game, a part of the team. We all felt like players on the bench waiting to enter the action; and we all were ready and willing to help our fellow Maccabees.
Macs Madness is not only a great way to show school spirit, but is also a way of uniting all students in a realm outside of the classroom. Every individual student is an important part of the “YU Team,” and should always be there to support and cheer on their teammates. You don’t have to be an athlete to join in at Macs Madness and take your own “free shot” at making new friends and having a great time.
Whether a win or loss, Macs Madness proved, yet again, to be a success in showing support for our school, and the “YU Team,” of which we are all fortunate to be members. Stay tuned for updates on Lady Mac’s Madness, which will be hosted in the Baruch gym in the near future.