WASHINGTON – Bison Madness is a typical headliner among the many events of homecoming week. The event kicked off the season of both Men and Women’s basketball, with performances from the band and Bisonettes, in addition to a surprise performance by ‘Skilla Baby’.

As with all things that are considered worth having, the primetime display came with plenty of preparation and hard work long before students packed into Burr gymnasium. 

“Our preparation was pretty long. We started learning this routine in August, and even further back we started learning the stands in the summertime, so we have been preparing the entire year for this one performance,” said Bisonnette Maya McDonald.

McDonald felt that all the long hours paid off. 

“I feel like we executed our routine really well. We had good crowd support, good energy and it was just overall a really fun time to perform that routine at Bison Madness,” said McDonald.

Flashy Flag Azaria McMurren echoed a similar strategy of preparation among her teammates in the band.

“We have been practicing for many hours, focusing on perfecting routines, formations, and music to make sure everything is flawless for homecoming. It can get physically tiring as we start at 5:45 pm and practice runs until after the lights go out on the field,” said McMurren. 

Similar to McDonald, McMurren also believes her hard work paid off.

“I think we executed it really well. Everyone was in sync, and the energy was incredible. We have practiced for many hours to where people can basically execute the music and routine in their sleep,” said McMurren.

Transfer student Nylah Hughes-Green says she is keeping an open mind throughout the Mecca's Centennial. 

“I don’t necessarily have any expectations for homecoming. I have the mindset that I’m going to make it the best homecoming,” said Hughes-Green.

As for what made the event memorable, the atmosphere stood out the most for Hughes-Green.

“My favorite part was just seeing the energy I’m not going to lie, the freshman [were] hype, and it kept me hype during the event. meeting new people, seeing everyone chill and excited to be with they people,” said Hughes-Green.

As homecoming is often filled with high energy events and performances that have become staples of HBCU culture, Bison Madness was no exception.