Eagle Madness aims to create fellowship, March 25

Skyler Lee

March 25, 2014

Leadership students create basketball tournament

In honor of the annul National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) college basketball tournament, March Madness, FC students have decided to create an event of their own. A group of freshmen leadership students first conceived the idea of a basketball tournament involving the FC high school many weeks in advance.

However, in order to put their plan into action the underclassmen relied upon the guidance of ASB President Caleb Nale,’14, as well as other upperclassmen. At long last their idea was approved and admitted to the FC calendar. It has since been dubbed, quite appropriately,Eagle Madness.

One of the cofounders in the creation of Eagle Madness is Trevor Trevino,’17. The idea first came from a passion for basketball and a desire to unite the student body through the sport. Trevino is impressed with the schools response.

“Eagle Madness is a basketball tournament organized for students to go out and have fun,” Trevino said. “We (freshmen founders) were just so into basketball and loved the idea of creating our own mini version of the tournament. The school has responded well considering twenty teams have sinned up so far. We really appreciate everyone including the girl?s participation in this event.”

The guidelines for Eagle Madness are simple. Each team must consist of three players with at least one female teammate. All points scored will count as two points. Four teams will be able to play simultaneously. The games will be featured during lunch in the FC gym on March 25, 27, and 28.

Eagle Madness is a basketball tournament organized for students to go out and have fun. We were just so into basketball and loved the idea of creating our own mini version of the tournament. The school has responded well considering twenty teams have sinned up so far. We really appreciate everyone including the girl’s participation in this event–Trevor Trevino

Throughout the tournament losing teams will be eliminated whereas winners will advance to the next round. The championship game will take place and the winner will be announced, March 28. Prizes are yet to be determined.

Student participants such as Claire Kollenkark,’16, are excited to form closer bonds with their teammates. Kollenkark mildly nervous to play basketball but anticipates that her experience with Eagle Madness will be a positive one.
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“I signed up because Chris (Kollenkark) and Justin Houts wanted me to and it sounded fun,” Kollenkark said. “I hope to gain some hoops and a closer relationship with Justin and Chris. I?m more nervous than excited about it because I have no idea how to play basketball. I plan on just trying my hardest and having fun with it because that is all that really matters.”

In preparation for this event leadership arranged time for teams to practice together, March 24. In addition to honing in on their basketball skills, the additional time allowed for participants to gain an even closer bond with their team as well as connect with the other teams.

Nale believes this unique opportunity will allow students the time to express themselves over a common cause and participate in the basketball season. He hopes that students will not be afraid to be outgoing and try their hardest despite any lack of previous knowledge about the sport.

“March is time for basketball and I thought this opportunity would be interesting,” Nale said. “It?s just something fun to be involved in. It?s another opportunity to get involved in school activities and a lot of people like basketball so it?s a good way to do it. I hope people aren?t afraid to dress up funny and embarrass themselves a little.”

One of leadership?s goals in establishing this event was to create an opportunity for fellowship in both upper and underclassmen, and encourage them to mingle in a positive atmosphere. Leadership advisor Robert Foshee hopes this event inspires friendly competition and highlights the uniqueness of each individual.

“The purpose of Eagle Madness is to have a great time to enjoy athletics and get a team together,” Foshee said. “Not every team is going to win but some will dress up together or make a cool name for themselves. It’s just something fun to get together and compete but to have a good time doing it.”

Eagle Madness champions will be unveiled on March 28 and will receive a prize yet to be determined. The games are open to spectator viewing.

For more news, read the March 25 article, BRIEF: Cheer tryouts approach, March 29.

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