Spare a Thought for Lefty

Lefty Driesell was always one of college basketball's greatest characters. But we often forget that he was an innovator, as well. As you all roll out to your midnight madness events, in gyms packed to the rafters with inebriated students, and often including skits along with the highly organized scrimmage, spare a thought for the humble origins of the midnight practice. The place is the University of Maryland, the year is 1971:

"Look. Oct. 15 starts at one past midnight," (Driesell) told his staff and players before that day rolled around in 1971. "We're going to get started before anybody this year."

Word had leaked out on campus of the unorthodox time for the run and about 1,000 fans sat in the stadium bleachers for their first look at their team. Driesell parked cars on the football field and turned on their headlights to illuminate the track so he could spot any players trying to cut corners to make the designated time.

At 12:03 a.m. (he waited a couple of minutes just in case his watch was running a bit fast) the Maryland Terrapins officially began the season. They also unintentionally began a signature event:

"Midnight Madness."

Saint Petersburg Times

A few of us who write here have been to some of these events, and we'll try to recall the atmosphere and tell our stories this week. But better yet, a few of us plan to attend festivities this year, and take a few photos. If you're doing the same, give us a shout at stormingthefloor@gmail.com. If you have a photo or story you'd like to share, we'd love to hear from you.

Now let's get out there and practice!