California Baptist University’s Lancer Madness tradition brought excitement as students and families gathered outside the Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center. Every year, students were introduced to the student-athletes on the CBU men’s and women’s basketball teams with games and competitions.
Students, staff and families looked forward to seeing dunks, 3-point shooting contests and other activities that kept the energy high throughout the night.
Outside of the Event Center, music and cheers filled the air as students danced and laughed all night.
Emily Leon, freshman biomedical science major, expressed her excitement for the event.
“I am really excited to see how hyped the crowd can really get,” Leon said.
The atmosphere outside lifted her spirit. After hearing positive reviews from returning students, she joined a group of friends to attend the late-night kickoff.
As a first-year student, Leon was curious to see how supportive and engaged CBU students were at school events.
“So far it’s looking pretty lit and I’m really excited,” Leon said.
Other first-year students also experienced Lancer Madness for the first time with encouragement from friends. Many were surprised by the promised level of chaos.
Tyson Neighbors, freshman applied theory major, attended the event for the first time and joined in the excitement.
“It’s been pretty hectic; it’s a lot of loud noises and people running around, but other than that, it’s pretty good,” Neighbors said.
Neighbors also came because many people were planning to attend.
“All of the third floor for Simmons and Smith are here, and we’re just hanging out,” Neighbors said.
As he waited for the indoor portion to begin, he said his favorite part was spending time with friends.
“Hanging out and talking to a bunch of people and just being with my brothers and sisters in Christ,” he said.
While many students attended for fellowship and entertainment, others showed up to bring the energy. CBU’s Crazie Crew led the crowd in cheering, aiming to be the loudest and most spirited group in the Events Center.
Dylan Holland, sophomore kinesiology major, represented the Crazie Crew.
“I am one of the crazies, so I am at each of the athletic games and events just to be loud, trying to improve fan engagement and help people to have a blast,” Holland said.
He planned to continue supporting the basketball teams throughout the season. He also looked forward to the dunk contest and pyrotechnic effects.
Holland, who attended last year, recalled a player completing a free-throw dunk and noted Lancer Madness as the loudest event of the year.
Some students were returners, while others experienced the event for the first time. Staff members also shared in the excitement.
Isaac Guerrero, audio visual services technician for Conferences and Events, helped prepare the evening for students.
Guerrero quickly learned about the tradition, even though it was only his third week at CBU.
“It is kind of like a giant pep rally where we’re figuring out who the new players are so they’ll be there for the year,” Guerrero said.
Guerrero said staff worked long hours to make the event possible.
“I am about to have a 16 to 18-hour day right now,” he said.
Although the day was long, he was glad to see students enjoying time with their friends.
The passion at Lancer Madness set the tone for the season. Students are encouraged to attend games and continue bringing high energy to support CBU basketball.
