YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – The Young Harris College athletics department will present its annual rite of fall with the second annual Midnight Madness October 13 beginning at 10:45 p.m. at the YHC Recreation Center. The doors will open at 10:45 p.m., and the event is open to the public.

The annual late-night practice, which gets the team on the floor at the first moment allowed under NCAA rules, will give fans an advance peek at the inaugural teams.

Traditionally, fans are entertained with competitions as well as performances by select entertainment groups. At 10:45 p.m., fans will enter the YHC Recreation Center and the cheerleaders and pep band will be introduced shortly after 11 p.m. At 11:20 p.m., there will be games for students and members of the public to participate in, with prizes awarded to the winners. The 2011-12 men’s and women’s basketball teams will be introduced at midnight and the teams will take to the court a little after midnight for layups and  the men’s team will participate in a dunk contest.

Seating at the YHC Recreation Center is first come, first served for the event.

The Mountain Lions’ home opener for the 2011-12 season will be Nov. 12 when they will be also celebrating Homecoming.  The women’s team will face Reinhardt University at 2 p.m. followed by the men’s contest at 4 p.m. against Bryan College.

Season tickets for the 2011-12 basketball season are still available. For more information or to purchase a season ticket package, contact athletics department administrative assistant Erin Huffman at 706.379.5296 or elhuffman@yhc.edu.