In the Dutchess County Spotlight

Area Collegiate Basketball Teams Bring the Heat: Cheer on Marist College’s Red Foxes!

Need something to do on a cold winter’s night in Dutchess County? The heat is on and the intensity is high at the James J. McCann Center in Poughkeepsie, the home of the Marist College Red Foxes men’s and women’s basketball teams.

Coached by Brian Giorgis, the women’s basketball team at Marist finished the 2008-09 season with a 29-4 record, reaching the NCAA Tournament for the fourth consecutive season and the fifth time in six years. The Red Foxes also won their sixth straight Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) regular-season title. So far, in the 2009-10 season, the lady Red Foxes have racked up a record of 14-4, and have a 6-0 record in the MAAC.

The men’s basketball team at Marist is coached by Chuck Martin, who arrived at Marist for his first season in 2008-09. Martin led the Red Foxes to 10 victories last year. Currently the team has a record of 1-17, and a 1-7 record in the MAAC. Coach Martin recently told The Poughkeepsie Journal that the team could always use some more support from the fans. “We need you more than ever right now," he said of the fans. "We desperately need you, when the kids are down and struggling and not getting the results we want. They need to be able to walk into the McCann Center and see that excitement and see that enthusiasm and have that support."

In addition to watching the game, fans can also purchase refreshments or even some red and white Marist basketball gear. The games are family friendly events, with plenty of crowd participation. Kids can learn the Marist College Fight Song, or even get picked to be part of a half-time game of musical chairs, or a shoot-out contest. Marist’s animated student section was re-named “The Fox Hole” this year, and their support is joined at every game by the Marist College band, cheerleaders and the dance team.

For a complete schedule of upcoming men’s and women’s basketball games at Marist, visit goredfoxes.cstv.com. All of Marist’s home basketball games are held in the James J. McCann Recreation Center’s Fieldhouse, on the north side of the Marist College Campus. For directions, visit goredfoxes.cstv.com. Ticket prices range between $5-10 for adults and $3-5 for children 12 & under. For more ticket information, contact the Marist Ticket Office at 845-575-3553.