EAST STROUDSBURG -- The East Stroudsburg men's and women's basketball teams returned to Koehler Fieldhouse in style after having its 2020-21 season postponed to the COVID-19 pandemic. ESU hosted its annual 'Warrior Madness' event to tip off the preseason practice in front of a raucous crowd.
This year's event was in memory of ESU men's basketball player Ryan Smith, who tragically passed away last March after a 19-month battle with AML Leukemia.
Fans competed in contests. Performances by the ESU band, cheerleaders and dance team also highlighted the event.
In the 3-point contest, David Duda Jr. and Gwenn Sabato earned the victory, while Carlos Pepin was crowned the dunk contest champion after a perfect 50 score in a dunk off against teammate Lakeem McAliley.
Guest judges included ESU interim president Kenneth Long, Faculty Athletics Representative
Dr. Shawn Munford, Associate Athletic Director for Compliance
James Bandy, Dr. Patricia Graham and ESU basketball alumna Tiffany Lapotsky.
Gallery: (10-14-2021) Warrior Madness 2021
The Warriors begin official preseason practices tomorrow on Oct. 15.
The ESU men's team opens the season on the road at the Atlantic Region Crossover against Wheeling (Nov. 12) and West Liberty (Nov. 13). The women's squad heads to Syracuse to face Le Moyne on Nov. 17.
Both squads will open the home slate with a doubleheader in the Poconos on Dec. 2 against Seton Hill.
