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STEPHENVILLE – The Tarleton Texan and TexAnn basketball team opened the new season with Midnight Madness 2009, and according to those in attendance, it was “the best ever.”

The Tarleton co-ed cheer squad, all-girl squad and the Texan Stars opened the night's activities with a joint performance after the fans rushed into Wisdom Gym when the doors were opened at 11:15 p.m. 

The Sound and the Fury Marching Band played following the joint performance before the Stars performed a dance on their own.  Then, for the first time ever, the Sound and Fury drumline performed a routine that rocked the house.

Two students then had the chance to win prizes by making a layup, a free throw, a three-point shot and a half-court shot.  Then, several students played musical chairs with the winner receiving a giftcard. 

After a few more cheers and the band playing a couple of songs, the crowd counted down to midnight when the women's basketball team took the floor.  After a rousing introduction, the TexAnns played a short scrimmage against themselves.

The Texans were then introduced and displayed the annual “Dunkfest”.  The players were introduced and then played a short scrimmage as well.

Following the scrimmages, senior Effran Bryant represented the men's team against the TexAnns' junior Sonya Sundberg in a three-point shooting contest, and Sundberg won, 7-4.

The night was wrapped up with the Fight Song and the Color Song.

“This might have been the biggest crowd ever,” said men's basketball head coach Lonn Reisman.  “We are so appreciative for the student body and their support.  This is their team, and we hope they come out with that much enthusiasm to every game this season.”

Women's basketball coach Ronnie Hearne agreed.

“We are so excited to get this season going, and Midnight Madness helps spark that,” Hearne said.  “The crowd is always great, and tonight, it was the best since I have been here.  We hope they continue to come out and support us with that much effort throughout the season.”

Both the Texans and TexAnns will open the regular season at home on Nov. 17.  The women will play Texas-Permian Basin at 6 p.m. while the men will host Dallas Baptist, a NCAA Division II South Central regional qualifier last season, at 8 p.m.