Indiana State University Newsroom

Indiana State University's Hulman Center will have something for everyone in the family during the fourth annual Sycamore Hoopla, two fun-filled days of exciting basketball and a whole lot more Feb. 12 and 13!

"Sycamore Hoopla serves many purposes, from being an opportunity for alumni to return to Indiana State to providing fun activities for current students, staff and the Wabash Valley," said Charlie Potts, associate vice president of student affairs. "No matter what your affiliation, all are welcome at Sycamore Hoopla!"

Come early on Friday night and check out Hulman Center's enormous windows, decorated by campus organizations, residence halls, offices and departments. Winners of the decorating contest will be announced during the game. Prior to the women's matchup with Missouri State, enjoy the entertainment provided by the Sycamore Basketball Band and the ISU Sparkettes. Venture outdoors to the driver's education course located (Lot D) behind Hulman Center off of Ninth Street to watch students compete in the Sycamore Slide sled race beginning at 4:30 p.m. Indiana State alumnus and former Olympic bobsledder Bruce Rosselli will have a competition bobsled and equipment on display on the concourse of Hulman Center to commemorate the opening of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Terre Haute will host the second annual Polar Plunge, a fundraiser for Special Olympics Indiana, on Saturday, Feb. 13 on Hulman Center's south patio in conjunction with Sycamore Hoopla. Walk-up registration begins at 8 a.m. with plunging beginning at 9:30 a.m. A biscuits and gravy breakfast, served by the Knights of Columbus, will begin at 8 a.m. on the south patio. The cost of the breakfast (which is open to the public) is $5 with proceeds going to Special Olympics.

Awards are given for the Best Costume, Most Money Raised by an Individual, Most Money Raised by a Team and a special Campus Challenge award for the largest campus group of Plungers. Participants must raise a "bear" minimum of $75 to Plunge ($50 minimum for students with a student ID). All proceeds will benefit Special Olympics athletes in your community, giving them the opportunity to train locally and compete at the state level in a variety of Olympic-type sports. Even if you're not willing to brave the waters, come out and cheer those who are!

The fun and festivities conclude Saturday afternoon with a 2 p.m. tipoff between Kevin McKenna's squad and the Drake Bulldogs. Four former student athletes and a former ISU coach are members of the 18th class of the Indiana State Athletics Hall of Fame -- Bob Barker, who played men's basketball for ISU; Angie Bruecker (Martin), a record setting track and field athlete for the Sycamores; former track and field and cross country coach Bill Malloy; Debbie Styx (Peters), a standout softball player for Indiana State, and, David Wright, one of the best running backs in ISU football history. The inductees and current members of the Indiana State Athletics Hall of Fame will be honored during halftime ceremonies.

For more information, contact Hulman Center at (812) 237-3737.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, Feb. 12
4:30 p.m. Sycamore Slide
5:30 p.m. Doors open
7 p.m. ISU women vs. Missouri State

Saturday, Feb. 13
8 a.m. Registration for Polar Plunge begins. Knights of Columbus begin serving breakfast. Cost is $5 with proceeds going to Special Olympics Indiana.
9:30 a.m. Polar Plunge, a fundraiser for Special Olympics Indiana State University
12:30 p.m. Doors open
2 p.m. ISU Men vs. Drake

Contact: Jennifer Cook, Hulman Center, 812.237.3770

Writer: Paula Meyer, ISU Communications & Marketing, 812.237.3783 or paula.meyer@indstate.edu