by Isaiah Rosario & Victor Franco, Staff Writers

Manhattan Madness finally made it’s long-awaited return back to Draddy Gymnasium on Oct. 28. The exciting pep rally included cheering students with school spirit shirts and performances from the cheerleading team, dance team and the Pep Band. 

The event did not take place last year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Changes in Manhattan College guidelines in accordance with official CDC and New York City guidelines, the event was finally able to be held in person this semester. 

To attend the event and comply with these guidelines, students needed a Manhattan College ID (physical one or Glance app), proof of COVID-19 vaccination, and lastly a Green pass. Since the COVID-19 is still ongoing, masks were still required to attend the event per the college’s guidelines.

With the number of people who were attending the event in a crowded space, questions arose on whether or not COVID-19 was going to be a large issue at the event. 

Freshman Brian Dunn explained to the Quadrangle how the precautions of the college helped him feel more safe as students entered the event.

“The fact that we had to show our green passes, and how we had to swipe our ID cards [to get in]. I think that it was very cautious, shout out to OneManhattan,” Dunn said. 

Despite the guidelines that were in place upon entering the event, students were still lively and excited to be able to attend Manhattan Madness for the first time in a year and a half. Freshman Brady Flood explained his excitement with how the event went.

“I loved it. It was so much fun. I was dancing, and my roommates were dancing. I had eye black on, it was great,” Flood said.

But, since many restrictions from the previous semesters were lifted during the event, students were excited to state that there was a 2019 feel in Draddy Gymnasium. 

“I mean, we had everyone pop out there, I saw my own RA there. We had everyone there. So I really think that we’re getting back to a point where we can be great,” Dunn said. 

However, there were still some mixed feelings about the event. 

“I feel like once COVID is over with no masks, I think it’d be better, but I think just if you include more sports, more people will be involved because there’ll be more people who relate to what’s going on,” Flood said. 

Brian Dunn also spoke his mind on what he believes could be changed to this event, especially after the absence it had on campus during the pandemic.

“I think that maybe making it more friendly for people that want to go if they don’t like sports, maybe making something for the non-sports people, and also getting the crowd more involved,” he said.

Student Engagement as well as student government helped set up Manhattan Madness, and students were able to receive free shirts designed by Student Government. 

While Student Government designed the shirts, Student Engagement was responsible for the distribution and placement of the shirts.

Kevin Heredia, a sophomore who works for Student Engagement helped with organizing the tables and shirts for distribution, and states that Student Engagement worked to deliver a meaningful event for students amidst the chaos of the previous semesters.

“Everything went well, working with Student Engagement to make events like these possible is definitely something that impacts the school community in a positive way,” Heredia said.

At the conclusion of Madness, students were surprised by a guest appearance by Jadakiss, a famous rapper with over 2.8 million followers on Instagram. Jadakiss helped cheer with the Manhattan College Jaspers and wished the best of luck to both basketball teams.