Oct. 22, 2008
Georgetown Midnight Madness 2008-A Community in Diversity
One of the few college basketball experiences I never had as an undergraduate at Georgetown was attending a Midnight Madness. John Thompson, Jr. never had a Midnight Madness except for one time with the arrival on campus of Allen Iverson. Coach Thompson would have his players show up for the first day of practice early on Saturday without the bright lights and cameras. He preferred to keep his emphasis on hard work and practice. Washington Post writer, Thomas Boswell, once wrote a book called, "Life Begins on Opening Day." For me life begins with Midnight Madness! I have really enjoyed attending Midnight Madness these last several years and seeing my fellow Hoya Hoop Club Board member, John Hawkes of Generation Burton.
A few months ago I was asked at work to attend the Kaiser Permanente Diversity Integration Conference in Universal City, CA. My first thought was that I had to be back at Georgetown for Midnight Madness. When I realized I could arrive at Dulles airport by 5:00 PM on October 17th I agreed to attend the conference. While at the Diversity Conference, I had a great time but really looked forward to the lights being turned out at the beginning of Midnight Madness. I often thought about how lucky I was to attend Georgetown where we have always had a very diverse student body and community many years before it ever became popular and fashionable. I often think of the banners on campus that say "Men and Women for Others," and "Community in Diversity." I attended a Kings-Ducks Hockey Game at the Staple Center with fellow Hoya Hoop Club member Art Yoon. Art is one of the great Hoya Basketball fans in California. We saw a great hockey game and spent some quality time talking about Georgetown and the upcoming basketball season. Everywhere I went in California people commented on my Georgetown attire. They were excited to hear about Georgetown. I even met at the Diversity Conference a childhood neighbor of former Hoya great David Wingate.
When I arrived at Midnight Madness, the excitement hit me as I left the elevators from the parking garage and saw the students at the Grilling society and those playing the video games. I walked past the large Bulldog into McDonough. I got my seat next to my fellow Hoya Hoop Club Board members, Bill Licamele, Mike Karam, John Hawkes, and Karen Schneider. It was a great evening with regulars like the Step Team, Groove Theory, and the student shooting contest won by the juniors and seniors. The great Jerry Rice was once again at the scorers table, and we were treated to the unveiling of Roy Hibbert's jersey by his parents. JT III once again orchestrated an exciting evening including cheers for Jeff Green's mom, and the leading of the We are Georgetown Cheer by senior Jesse Sapp.
We enjoyed a singing performance by Jerry Rice's daughter Jaqui Rice a current Georgetown student. However the highlight for me was the introduction and dancing by the men's and women's team. It is hard living up to the attitude and energy that the women's team brings to the dance floor but this group of Hoyas on the men's team led by the new freshman, Henry Sims, Greg Monroe, and Jason Clark were up for the challenge. At Georgetown it has always been about our community having fun together. When John Thompson danced with Jaqui Rice to the Jackson Five and brought the men's and women's team together in a circle it was a wonderful sight to see and enjoy.
We are Georgetown!
Dr. Thomas A. Wong
Vice-President Hoya Hoop Club
Proud Member of Generation Ewing
