The Newberry College basketball teams kicked off their seasons by hosting Halloween Haunted Hoops, an evening of basketball, spooks, games and an assortment of both tricks and treats Wednesday. Families from all over the community attended the event.

The Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) brought all of Newberry’s athletic teams together to provide children from the community with a safe opportunity to enjoy Halloween festivities.

Attendance well exceeded the athletic department’s expectations. Throughout the lobby and corridors of Eleazer Arena, fully costumed athletes from their respective teams set up booths and various activities. Each team was responsible for organizing one activity, which included mummy wrapping, bobbing for apples, face painting, pumpkin decorating, monster building and guessing candy corn quantities. The athletes also provided autographs and picture opportunities to the young fans.

The baseball team provided an interactive haunted house which invited children and adults alike to explore the mad scientist’s lab, a cemetery and Dracula’s lair.

Chelsea Stone, a Newberry College cheerleader enjoyed interacting with the kids and serving as a positive influence. “It was great to see all of the kids’ faces light up with excitement,” she said. “I love to have the opportunity to impact the kids and know that we’re making a difference.”

Professor Matthew Fuller and the Theater Department worked together to provide costumes and support.

As the participants gathered in the gym for the rest of the evening’s entertainment, a costume contest was held for the children. Though the competition was fierce, the winner ended up being a two-foot tall Princess Leia.

As the fans settled in the seats, the men’s and women’s basketball teams showcased their skills and provided fans with a taste of what to expect in the 2009-10 season. Steve DeMeo and Sean Page, head coaches of the men's and women's teams, respectively, spoke to the crowd, and players from both teams were introduced.

Children were invited to the court to dribble, shoot, and even dunk atop the players’ shoulders. The showcase itself began with the men and women competing in a nail-biting three-point contest that came down to the buzzer. Next the women competed amongst themselves in an around-the-world style shooting contest. Finally, it was the men’s turn to ignite the crowd with a high-octane slam-dunk contest.