Music pulsed through the Pete Hanna Center on Thursday night as Samford students came ready to celebrate one of the university’s favorite fall traditions: Dogs After Dark. The annual event, which marks the official kickoff of basketball season, blended competition, school spirit and community in a night packed with high-energy games and challenges.
Students from across campus gathered to cheer on participants in a knockout tournament featuring members of GGreek lLife, a basketball skills challenge and a dunk contest, judged by President Beck Taylor and two Birmingham Squadron players. Samford players also autographed posters and spent time engaging with students and families afterward.
“It’s so fun to watch all the dancers, cheerleaders, see the teams and watch the dunk contest,” said Dan Roberts, who attended with his wife, Kelly, to support their daughter, freshman Francie Morris. “Everybody was pulling for everyone. It was really neat. It was fun for the students to interact with players over there, signing autographs for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams.”
That sense of connection between players, families and fans is what makes Dogs After Dark more than just an event.
For players like Avary Brewer, a member of the women’s basketball team, the event is not only a celebration, but a boost of motivation heading into the first tipoff. “I think it’s the perfect kickoff for an amazing season ahead,” Brewer said. “I hope students had a great time and will show up to support us this year.”
Dogs After Dark set the tone for the months ahead, bringing students, athletes and fans together in a show of school spirit that reflects the energy and community at the heart of Samford athletics.
Staff Reporter
