Loud music played, students filed in through balloon waterfalls, and the basketball teams warmed up Sunday night at Midnight Madness as the gym doors opened.

Students arrived early to be one of the first 500 people to receive a prize –- a drawstring backpack — and by 10:30, the gym was full and everyone was pumped up for this exciting night, which was a “great turn out” according to Spirit Board Chair, sophomore Amy Seed. Seed explained the great amount of preparation that went into organizing this event, and said that overall it was “well-organized and exciting for students.”

Spirit Board began their preparation in July as they met with the Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC), the Athletic Department and Alumni Relations. They started off by brainstorming about what students would want to see through the night, who should sing the national anthem and perform skits and who should emcee. From there, they continued to plan for the facilities and supplies that were needed and how to market the shirts that were made.

The day before Midnight Madness was busy for Spirit Board. According to the schedule, Biola cheerleaders arrived at 6 a.m. to “set out mats and practice.” Saturday morning at 7 a.m. a dress rehearsal was held where Spirit Board “met with the emcees” and went over the program three times, Seed said. More run-throughs and arrangements continued until the event started as volunteers were assigned and instructed to help out with specific things.

“I was surprised at how organized the event was,” senior Dane Bundy, one of the emcees at Midnight Madness, said. “I was handed a script that gave me instructions for who to introduce and when to speak.”

He said he felt “pressured” at first, but with the help of his partner, junior Rebecca Hull, who was Spirit Board Chair last year, was able to lead a successful night.

On the day of the event, decorations such as balloons were assembled at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., according to the program, and the supplies were “moved to the gym and [staff] began decorating.”

After all the program participants arrived, they held a final rehearsal. The basketball teams arrived at 10 p.m. to begin warming up as the DJ provided background music. Bundy felt nervous on the day of the event when they went through the final rehearsal, and he clarifies that “the anticipation was thick.”

“I realize a great deal of planning went into the event that I never saw,” Bundy said. “The real credit goes to the three women behind the planning.”

“It was the best night Biola’s ever had! It was a great turn out and flowed well,” Seed said about the finished product.

“I was just blessed to take part,” Bundy said.

With the help of Spirit Board, IMC, the Athletic Department, Alumni Relations and volunteers, the event was effective in enhancing school spirit for this year and many years to come.