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Thursday, July 3, 2025

Lancer Madness 3.0

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The men's and women's basketball programs were recognized in a night dedicating to showcasing their skills and promoting student and community excitement towards the upcoming 2015-16 season on Oct. 28.

Students and fans from around the town of Farmville swarmed into a crowded Willett Hall last Wednesday, Oct. 28 to celebrate a night of Lancer Madness as the basketball season rapidly approaches.

The event is Longwood’s own version of the famed ‘Midnight Madness’ that storied basketball programs from around the country participate in to get students and fans excited for the upcoming season. Programs such as the University of Kentucky helped make these types of events famous by having many theatrics and famous musical talents perform at the arena, as well as having mini games for the athletes.

“I think it generates unbelievable energy and enthusiasm to start a season,” said men’s basketball head coach Jayson Gee, who is entering his third season at Longwood. “My hat’s off to our marketing team and our administration for putting on an event so impressive to where you get so many students and community people out.”

Last season, Gee led the men’s basketball team to the Big South Conference Tournament semifinals as the No. 9 seed by knocking off the top seed Charleston Southern Buccaneers. That was the first time that a No. 9 seed had ever beaten a No. 1 seed in the tournament.

This year’s theme of “Welcome to the Jungle,” as well as the other pieces involved, started being put in place months ago.

“We actually started back this summer figuring out how we were going to make this big and make it 3.0 because we’re hitting a big year,” said Steve Robertson, assistant director of marketing in the athletics department. “Big kudos to the Lancer Lunatics led by Victoria O’Leary, their president, major, major player in this entire event helping to bring it all together. It was a team effort.”

Robertson added, “Also a shout out for our coordinators for Lancer Madness, Liz Greenwood and Megan Drewry.”

It all started with a pre-party tailgate on Redford Street in front of Curry and Frazer at 6:30 p.m. before the doors to Willett opened at 7:45 p.m.

Students were greeted by Longwood Ambassadors, as well as coaches with fanny packs holding Bojangles coupons, cheer cards, tattoos and pom-poms.

Festivities inside the gym included player introductions, music from DJ Joel Cruz and Stampede (Longwood’s drum line), speeches from both men’s and women’s head coaches and a series of mini games and competitions among the two teams.

“I don’t think there’s any question that this introduction to our team and this season will have a domino effect on other students,” said Gee. “I’ve been very, very proud and appreciative of the kind of support we’ve gotten.”

Longwood women’s basketball head coach Bill Reinson added, “There are plenty of benefits. I think on the college level, our team really enjoys it. It’s their opportunity to shine and just come out and be themselves. There are no guidelines, no structure. They just get to be who they are. I think it’s good for people to see them that way.”

Last season, the women’s program was plagued by injuries including a knee injury to point guard Daeisha Brown in the third game that sidelined her for the rest of the 2014-2015 campaign. Brown is back, along with five other seniors who are just two years removed from reaching the conference tournament finals against rival Liberty.

“For the fans, obviously it’s to bring them into the fold to make them feel more comfortable with us and to develop support,” said Reinson.

Students also had an opportunity to win a tablet through a raffle ticket they received at the door.

“I greeted every student as they came in through the door,” said Gee. “Just seeing their enthusiasm and my appreciation for their attendance here tonight is the highlight of my night.”

Basketball season starts this upcoming Saturday, Nov. 7 when the men’s team hosts Hampden-Sydney in the Crosstown Showdown, while the women’s team travels to Corvallis, Oregon on Nov. 13 to take on Oregon State.

The men's and women's basketball programs were recognized in a night dedicating to showcasing their skills and promoting student and community excitement towards the upcoming 2015-16 season on Oct. 28.

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