pepperdine

SoCalHoops Recruiting News

Midnight Madness Coming
To Pepperdine Again--(Oct. 6, 1998)

Get ready. Sit down, hold on, and get your programs out, because Pepperdine's version of "Midnight Madness" is coming again, a week from Friday, October 16 at the Firestone Fieldhouse. The doors will open earlier than midnight, but the official program doesn't start until 11 p.m. and it will feature the usual basektball schtick, including competitions like slam dunk contests, half-court shooting, and other similar stuff, as well as the first official introductions of the men's and women's teams. This is the third annual Midnight Madness event, and it's really amazing to us that UCLA and USC don't schedule events of this kind. Well, USC was going to do it, but then it somehow got dropped; they didn't want the guys staying up that late. Oh well. Maybe next year when the new Staples Arena is finished. . .

The action at Pepperdine will feature two lucky students getting the opportunity to win a free year of tuition by making a halfcourt shot.

Lorenzo Romar, now in his third year will introduce this year' team. With seven returning lettermen, three starters and a 17-10 record, the team finished second last year in the WCC with a 9-5 record. Back again will be senior guard Jelani Gardner, sophomore forward Kelvin Gibbs and senior guard Tommie Prince, Tayshaun's brother. Gardner was a first team All-WCC pick last season. Pepperdine also has several new players who redshirted last year, including sophomore
forward David Lalazarian, a transfer from Notre Dame, and junior center Nick Sheppard, a transfer from Louisiana State.

On the women's side, sixth-year women's head coach Mark Trakh will introduce a team that went 21-10 last year and also finished second in the WCC. The team features senior center Jenny Frank and senior guard Dana Sulenski, both of whom were All-WCC last season. The women's team also adds transfer sophomore guard Rasheeda Clark (Colorado), sophomore guard Kate Crane (Arizona) and junior forward Dee Braxton (Cal State Fullerton)-each of whom could earn
a spot in the Waves' starting line-up.

If you've never been to a Pepperdine Midnight Madness, you should come out and see for yourself how much fun it is. And besides, they've got some really cool T-shirts. Don't miss it.

Pepperdine is just up PCH a little west of Las Virgenes Canyon Road. From the Valley take the 101 to Las Virgenes and follow it to the ocean. You'll see the signs on your right for the campus. From the City, take the 10 Freeway to the end and follow PCH north; turn right at the top of the hill just west of Las Virgenes (I can't remember the name of the street, but it's right across from Michael Landon Park--you'll see the University on your right.) If you get really lost, the actual address is 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, CA 90263 (we don't think the zip will help you, but you never know). They've also got a phone number, (310)456-4000, but we're guessing no one will answer. They'll all be in the gym watching Midnight Madness.

See you there.