Oct. 22, 2008

PHILADELPHIA - The Saint Joseph's men's and women's basketball teams will kick-off the 2008-09 season tonight, October 30 on campus with "Hawk Halloween Hoopla." Included in this year's program is the "Hawk Walk," the introductions of both teams, and contests for students.

The event will take on both Halloween and Hawaiian themes with a costume contest and a special presentation marking the Hawks' upcoming participation in the 25th Annual EA Sports Maui Invitational.

Fans can vote online at sjuhawks.com to choose the costumes that they'd like to see head coaches Phil Martelli and Cindy Griffin wearing at the event. To vote, go to the Fan Poll on the front page of www.sjuhawks.com

The evening will begin with the Second Annual Coaches vs. Cancer "Hawk Walk." All students, fans, families, faculty and staff are invited to join the basketball teams, as they walk around campus two times. The walkers should gather prior to the 8:00 p.m. start time on Gest Lawn for free food. There is no charge to participate in the event, but the first 1,000 supporters who make a donation will receive a "Hawk Halloween Hoopla" t-shirt.

Upon completion of the walk, all will proceed to Finnesey Field for the remainder of the program. This will include the introduction of both teams, speeches by the coaches and selected players, student contests, the Maui presentation and the unveiling of this year's "Hawk T."

Admission is free to the event. In case of inclement weather, it will be held in the Multi-Purpose Gym of the Sports Complex.