Indiana University Athletics
Hoosier Hysteria - A Success On and Off the Court
10/25/2006 12:00:00 AM | General
Oct. 25, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - When more than 14,000 fans came out to support the Indiana basketball programs at Hoosier Hysteria, they did more than build excitement for the upcoming season. They helped support two very worthwhile organizations in the Indiana University Student Association (IUSA) and the Hoosier Hills Food Bank.
Director of Athletics Rick Greenspan said the event was a success on a variety of levels.
"Our men's and women's basketball teams started the season with a great deal of excitement, as a record number of fans came to see us open the 2006-07 season," Greenspan said. "Likewise, we were able to assist the efforts of two very worthy causes. We believe in being good community partners and are pleased to be able to lend this type of support."
Over $10,000 was raised for IUSA, the proceeds from ticket sales to Hoosier Hysteria. The money raised will be used to support programs which benefit IU students.
The IUSA appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with the department of athletics on this type of project.
"Any joint partnership between the athletics and students is greatly appreciated," IUSA Chief of Operations Phillip Smith said. "There were over 14,000 fans at Hoosier Hysteria, and that shows the excitement people have for the basketball programs. It is exciting that our student body could benefit from that support as well."
The Hoosier Hills Food Bank of Central Indiana was also a beneficiary of the record crowd at Hoosier Hysteria, as 11,000 pounds of food were donated by IU Basketball fans as they filed into Assembly Hall for the event, broadcast nationally on ESPNU.
The donations came as a welcome addition, as Hoosier Hills had experienced food shortages in recent months.
"This food came at a time when most of our supply had been exhausted. We had no canned goods, so this was a tremendous help to our effort," Hoosier Hills Executive Director Julio Alonso said. "We very much appreciate the support we were shown by the department of athletics and the campus community."
