Hundreds turn out to watch Jumbos jam

On Friday night, roughly 300 students showed up at Cousens Gym to watch the men's and women's basketball teams display their talents in the first annual "Jumbo Jam."

"Jumbo Jam 2003," originally conceived by sophomore forward Blaine Lay and junior lacrosse player Jen Griffin, featured a three point shoot-out and a game of "knock-out" between the men's and women's basketball teams, as well as the main attraction, a slam dunk contest for the men's team.

In addition to the talent showcase, Jumbo Jam also featured a number of contests for the audience, including a chance to sink a shot from half court and win $100.

"This was the first year we had it, and we were really looking to generate interest in the basketball team," men's coach Bob Sheldon said. "We plan to build on it and have it again in future years."

According to Sheldon, the original idea behind the event was to combine performances from the basketball team with performances from other student groups, such as the Beelzebubs.

"We wanted to get as many different groups as possible," Sheldon said. "The idea was that people who maybe didn't know too much about basketball would come to see other groups like the Bubs, and the people who just came for the basketball would gain interest in other groups."

Due to last minute conflicts, however, only the basketball teams and the cheerleading team performed on Friday night.

Some teams that didn't perform still took advantage of the venue, however. The men's and women's lacrosse teams both set up tables to raise money for their programs. The women's team sold Krispy Kreme doughnuts and t-shirts, while the men's team sold candy.

"We're out here trying to raise money for our spring trip to Virginia," senior goalie Brian Atherton said. "I've been impressed by the event so far. There are some good players on both teams and it was cool to see some of the players dunk."

Lay, a 6'7" forward, won the dunk contest, beating out 6'8" sophomore Dan Martin. For the winning dunk, Lay stood at the foul line with his back to basket, bounced the ball through his legs, off the backboard, and elevated for the one handed jam. The winner was based on fan reaction.

The women's team won both the three-point shoot-out and the game of knock-out. The knock-out game came down to a shoot-out between senior Kate Gluckman and sophomore John McGlynn, brother of former Tufts star Mike McGlynn, and lasted for several minutes before Gluckman put McGlynn away. The women also handily defeated the men in the three-point shoot-out, taking the first and third rounds in the best out of three contest.

"We ran for that yesterday," Sheldon joked. "We don't like to lose."

From the large turnout and loud cheering, it seemed that most in attendance had an enjoyable experience.

"I think it was a good show of spirit," senior Maggie McClory said. "A lot of people who weren't athletes showed up."

Atherton agreed. "I've had a good time," he said. "I was surprised by the number of people that showed up. It's good to see all of these people come out and support our athletic teams."

The men's and women's basketball seasons begin on Nov. 21 and 22, respectively. The women will play their home opener on Tuesday, Nov. 25 against Johnson & Wales, while the men open their season at home on Tuesday, Dec. 2 against MIT.

And if all went according to plan with this year's Jumbo Jam, the teams will see a large crowd come out to see them open their seasons.

"We're just trying to get it going, generate some support," Sheldon said. "Hopefully we'll see some bigger crowds this year."