HOLLY SPRINGS, Miss. (Oct. 17, 2025) — Rust College Athletics is preparing to electrify the Holly Springs community with its inaugural “Bearcat Madness” event on Saturday, Oct. 18. The celebration is designed to officially launch the 2025-26 basketball season and rally students, alumni, and local residents around the college’s Men’s and Women’s Basketball Teams.
The free event is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. inside the Kinzell Lawson Gymnasium. It aims to foster Bearcat pride and offer fans a vibrant preview of the teams before the season officially tips off later in the month.
“This is a chance for our students and the Holly Springs community to come together, celebrate the energy of Rust College basketball, and meet the players who will represent us this season,” said Rust College Athletic Director Jeremy Patterson.
Bearcat Madness
The evening’s schedule promises an energetic blend of friendly competition and team showcases:
Team & Staff Introductions: Fans will meet the full rosters and coaching staff for both programs.
Contests: Events will feature a 3-Point Contest and a Dunk Contest.
Live Action: Both the Women’s and Men’s Basketball Teams will hold five-minute scrimmages.
Special Finale: The winners of the two scrimmages will face off in a final five-minute showdown.
Admission to Bearcat Madness is open to all students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members. The event serves as the first opportunity to experience the excitement of Rust College basketball ahead of their official competitive schedules.
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
