Panthers Madness Grows CloserOct. 13, 2006 MILWAUKEE - The countdown is on to Panther Madness, which is set for Saturday at the U.S. Cellular Arena. The event marks the first public practice of the season for both the men's and women's basketball teams, while also seeing the UWM volleyball team take on Butler in a key Horizon League match. The event is free and begins at 4 p.m. The basketball scrimmage portion of the activites will see the men's and women's basketball squads split into teams to square off in four, 10-minute quarters. While head coaches Rob Jeter and Sandy Botham oversee the action, the two teams' assistant coaches will guide the teams through the contest. The black team will be directed by Brian Bidlingmyer, Sheila Roux, Lindsay Bronson, Ronnie Jones and Chip MacKenzie, while the white team will be led by Travis Brewster, Duffy Conroy, John Motherwell and Chad Boudreau. The men's teams for the scrimmage have been sorted out, with senior Nick Hansen topping the black team squad and Kevin Massiah leading the white team. Among the other returnees, Zach Holt and Michael Bendall will be on the black team while Avery Smith, Allan Hanson and Myles McKay will be part of the white team. Many eyes will be on the men's newcomers throughout the season, and Saturday's scrimmage will likely be no exception. Ricky Franklin, Marcus Skinner, Ryan Thornton and Kaylan Anderson will team up on the black team, while Charlie Swiggett, Paige Paulsen, Roman Gentry and Sam Mauldin will be on the white team. Also, Tulsa transfer Deion James will play for the black team while walk-ons Jason Deutchman and Jason Averkamp will play for the white team. The women's teams for the scrimmage have also been selected. UWM's two Horizon League Preseason All-League selections will be on different teams, as Traci Edwards will head up the black team while Meredith Onson will lead the white team. Turquoise McCain, Aubrey Hampton, Aubri Rote and Dana Schultz are the other returnees drafted to the black team, while returnees Kim Wypiszynski, Emily Markert, Kiley Johnson, Katie Fournier and Megan Rogers will look to help the white team to victory. The scrimmage will also provide a first look at a number of Panther women's basketball newcomers. Jodie McClain, Ebony Hampton, Maddie Kusilek and Jessica Brown will play for the black team, while Danae Russell, Jody Crumble and Angel Calloway will play for the white team. Fans in attendance will have a chance to win a number of great prizes, including a Funjet Vacation to Cancun, a Honda Motor Scooter, a Trek bike and an I-Pod. To have the best chance to win prizes, fans should be in attendance during the volleyball match, as participants for many of the contests will be determined during that time. Student shuttle buses will leave campus beginning at 3 p.m., while returning to campus after the event concludes. Those in attendance can also pick up basketball schedule posters at the Fan Assistance Center throughout the event. |
