WILMINGTON, N.C. ? An ice cream social, various games, Sammy C. Hawk sightings and more highlight activities this week leading up to Friday's Midnite Madness, which marks the official kickoff of the 2008-09 men's and women's basketball season at UNC Wilmington.

  On Wednesday, Oct. 15, members of both teams will cool off students and fans with free ice cream from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on the Campus Commons. A special meal is then planned from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Wagoner Hall, with performances by the Pep Band, Dance Team and Cheerleaders.

  Thursday's activities begin with a shooting contest for T-Shirts from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Wagoner Hall. Contests will also be held later in the day at Sharky's from 4-6 p.m.

  The week is capped off Friday with the Trask Trek and Midnite Madness. Students and fans are invited to meet at The Seahawk Village clubhouse at 7:15 p.m. and walk to Trask Coliseum.

   Midnite Madness, hosted by radio personality Bigg B from Coast 97.3 Radio, lasts from 8-9:30 p.m., with performances by Sammy C. Hawk, the spirit groups and the Community Boys & Girls Club Drum & Drill Team. A “UNCW's Got Talent” contest, team introductions, team shooting contests, slam dunk contest and other surprises are planned.

  UNCW's Association for Campus Entertainment (ACE) wraps up the night from 9:30-11 p.m. with the “ACE Fan Jam,” featuring free food and music in the Hanover Hall parking area.

  For a complete schedule of the week's activities, click here.