2nd Annual LOBO Madness, Celebrating with School Spirit

By Marley Rokas, Skyline Reporter

ALPINE- The men’s and women’s basketball kicked off their season Oct. 26 with the Lobo Madness tradition at the Pete P. Gallego Center.

The men’s team, led by head coach, Xavier Webb, and the women's team, led by head coach, EJ Smith, presided over Lobo Madness.

In the wake of last year’s success for both teams, in which they earned berths in the American Southwest Conference tournament has raised hopes for this season. But it remains to be seen whether Webb and Smith, the new coaches, can lead their squads back to the big show.

Melody Martinez, a freshman recruit from Seminole High School, captured the excitement of her first Lobo Madness and the trepidation of a newcomer.

“Being new to college as well as a new team has been very nerve racking, but the girls as well as the school have been very inviting to me,” Martinez said. “For my first Lobo Madness, I feel that it was a great way to introduce the new players to the atmosphere of Sul Ross … giving me a great memory in my college experience.”

Both teams showed off their skills as well as the skills of the student body through a series of games and challenges. The uniting of Sul Ross’s men’s and women’s athletics, the student body and the Alpine community is an element of Lobo Madness in which both teams revel.

“Lobo Madness had crazy energy and it was tons of fun,” said Trey Nelson, a guard from Irving, “I love the opportunity we have to get to know our crowd, as well as them to get to know us. I predict us going far this season.”