EAST STROUDSBURG – East Stroudsburg University will hold Warrior Madness 2009 on Thursday, October 15 at 8 p.m. at Koehler Fieldhouse to kick off the Warriors' 2009-10 basketball season.

The program, presented by the ESU Athletic Department in conjunction with the Warrior Knight program, will feature performances by the Warrior pep band, step team, dance team and cheerleaders.

The Warriors' men's and women's basketball teams will be introduced and participate in a three-point shootout and slam dunk contest.

Admission is free and there will be free food and an opportunity for ESU students to win $500 worth of books from the University Bookstore. Restaurant gift certificates will be given away from Wendy's, J.R.'s Salad Bar and Detzi's Tavern, along with t-shirts, sweatshirts and more.

The men's team opens its season on Sunday, Nov. 15 vs. Penn State-Schuylkill at 1 p.m. at Koehler Fieldhouse. The women will get underway the following weekend with a tournament on Friday and Saturday at Merrimack (Mass.).