Grand Rapids, Mich. — Get ready, Saints Nation — the lights, music, and madness are returning to the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center for one of the most anticipated events of the year: Saints Slam 2025! On Tuesday, October 28, Aquinas College will once again transform into a high-energy hub of spirit, excitement, and fun as the Saints community gathers to celebrate the start of the winter sports season.

This year's Saints Slam — AQ's version of Midnight Madness — comes with a twist: a Jersey theme, so students are encouraged to wear their favorite or most creative jerseys to the event. The night begins with a pre-party at 9:00 PM on the lower level of Alksnis featuring free food, games, giveaways, and music before the doors officially open at 9:45 PM with the AQ Athletic Band setting the tone. The show begins at 10:00 PM sharp, emceed once again by the legendary Bob Wells, the on-field host for the West Michigan Whitecaps.

Founded in 2016, Saints Slam has grown into a beloved campus tradition, featuring performances from the Aquinas Cheer and Dance teams, the AQ Athletic Band and Drumline, and introductions of the 2025–26 Men's and Women's basketball teams. The evening will also include interactive games and contests such as dodgeball finals or giant pong (TBD), Knockerball, a three-point contest, Mattress Relay Race, and the fan-favorite Half Court Putt, with prizes and giveaways throughout the night.

Fans are encouraged to arrive early — the first 300 in attendance will receive a free Saints Slam t-shirt when the doors open. Adding to the fun, Assistant AD and Director of Athletic Communications Joey Sutherlin will be live throughout the event, hosting the longest-ever episode of "Joey's Wacky World of AQ Sports" on social media.

For the first time, the event's organization and planning are being led by Aquinas' dynamic team of graduate assistants — Andrew Briskey, Calvin Willson, Lillian Houtteman, Samuel Jacobs, Kennadie Minerich, and McKalen Jambor — with support from the AQ Athletics administrative staff. Their creativity and teamwork have elevated this year's event to new heights, ensuring that 2025's Saint Slam will be one to remember.

"Saints Slam has quickly become one of the best nights of the year for Aquinas Athletics," said Aquinas Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Damon Bouwkamp. "It's an incredible way to kick off our winter sports season, celebrate our student-athletes, and bring the AQ community together under one roof. There's so much energy and excitement in the Sturrus Center that night — it's all about school spirit, connection, and just having fun as a Saints family."

Graduate Assistant Calvin Willson, one of the lead organizers, said it's been rewarding to see the event from a new perspective. "It's extraordinary to experience Saints Slam from this side of things," Willson said. "As a student, I always loved the energy and excitement of the night — it was one of those events that made you proud to be part of Aquinas. Now, helping organize it and seeing all the behind-the-scenes work come together, it's awesome to watch everyone — athletes, students, coaches, and fans — come together and just have a great time celebrating what it means to be a Saint."

Head Men's Basketball Coach Ryan Bertoia echoed that sentiment, calling Saints Slam a cornerstone of campus spirit. "Saints Slam is one of the most exciting traditions we've started since Nick Davidson first brought the idea to life," Bertoia said. "It's more than just men's and women's basketball — you've got the drumline bringing the energy, cheer and dance performing, and the whole AQ community getting a glimpse of everything that makes winter sports so special. It's a night where everyone comes together and has fun."

As for the highly anticipated antics from Coaches Brian Morris and Bertoia, details remain under wraps. When asked about what they have planned, Bertoia simply smiled and said, "We like to keep that close to the vest."

NOTE:  Still looking for donations:
If any Aquinas alumni, community members, or student groups would like to donate prizes for Saint Slam (because let's be honest — we can never have enough!), please reach out to Calvin Willson at willsonc@aquinas.edu, Joey Sutherlin at sutherlinj@aquinas.edu, or Connor Leppink at leppinkc@aquinas.edu. Every contribution helps make this night even more memorable for our Saints community!