Photos by Ralph Freso/GCU News/Slideshow
Even though students couldn’t officially start camping until Monday afternoon, and even though rainclouds threatened to dampen spirits, tents continued to pop up on the Grand Canyon University Quad this week as part of Camp Elliott, in anticipation of tonight’s Midnight Madness.
The annual super-charged pep rally that's Midnight Madness – this year with a “Hunger Games” theme – launches the basketball season in Global Credit Union Arena, complete with introductions to coaches and players. In short, GCU’s famed Biggest Party in College Basketball will be in full force, guaranteed by the nationally renowned student cheer section, the Havocs, and the Spirit team.
Students at Camp Elliott aim to be among the first in line to nab the best seats when doors open around 10:45 p.m. for Midnight Madness.
As of Thursday afternoon, students had pitched some 50 tents, with more than 60 students checked in. That number was expected to rise overnight.
The tradition of camping on the Quad lawn, outside the arena, began with Daniel Elliott, who was the first student to do so for Midnight Madness in 2015. The next time he camped out, friends joined in, and a tradition was born.
Freshman Moriah Bartolomei and sophomore Tanner McElroy, friends from back home in Michigan, explained how McElroy had conquered Camp Elliott last year and had such a great time that Bartolomei couldn't wait to join this year.
"It was a lot of fun. I did it with my friends and it was amazing," McElroy said.
Even though the gates opened at 3 p.m. Monday to start setting up camp, junior Hannah Bailey and her nine friends showed up at 7:30 a.m. Sunday to ensure they would be first in line.
"I did a lot of homework and talked with other people in line while we waited to check in." Bailey said
Those who waited until Monday morning couldn't quite beat diehard basketball fans, such as Bailey and her friends.
"I got here at 3 a.m. on Monday morning so that we could secure a good spot and get top 10," said sophomore Bela Gangwer. "I don't regret it. It was great. We built a puzzle in line."
They picked up a number from a table manned by the Havocs to secure their No. 8 spot in line.
Students brought air mattresses, pillows, blankets, games, and of course, as many fans as nearby electrical outlets could power, though temperatures in Phoenix weren’t as daunting this year, ranging from a high of 105 degrees on Monday to 84 degrees on Thursday.
Past years have seen highs of 110 degrees and more.
This year, students have been exceptionally creative in how they whiled away the hours. Each group of campers is required to have at least one person present at all times, so activities are a must.
They played everything from cornhole to ladder toss in the open area in the middle of the Quad.
"We watched ‘Harry Potter,’ and we've been making bracelets," said sophomore Cienna Field.
And if campers needed someone else to plan the activities, the Havocs were ready to oblige with a “Hunger Games” movie night on Monday, a pool party at Chaparral pool on Tuesday, karaoke night and frozen treats on Wednesday, and free pizza from the men’s and women’s basketball teams on Thursday night.
Students Ted Williams and Najee Walker touched on what a night's sleep was like at Camp Elliott.
"Honestly, I didn't expect sleeping out here to be that comfortable, but the turf is good,” Walker said.
Williams added, "We were supposed to sleep in the tent, but we ended up sleeping on the ground, and it was the best sleep of my life."
Each day brought even more tents and more excitement.
"It's been great,” Gangwer said. “I highly recommend that everybody does Camp Elliot."
GCU News student writer Jessica Walters can be reached at [email protected].
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