Philadelphia, Pa. – (10/26/2018) – Transitioning from the fall seasons to the upcoming winter competition of women's bowling, women's basketball, and men's basketball, Chestnut Hill College Athletics is providing the College community with some self-help programming and a pair of long-standing traditions. Prior to the always entertaining and engaging Midnight Madness (10:00 p.m., Sorgenti Arena), GriffinNation welcomes Scott Prendergast of Minding Your Mind to Gruber Theatre (8:00 p.m.) on Thursday, November 1, for an educational program about mental health; its signs, symptoms, as well as, strategies for its prevention and treatment. Then, on Friday, November 2, Head Coach Bob Spratt invites all members of GriffinNation to Latshaw-McCarthy Field (Norristown, Pa.) for the Scarlet and Gold Game (6:00 p.m.), an annual tradition that features a nine-inning split squad scrimmage between the upper and lower classmen.
 
After being cut from his high school basketball team, Prendergast began to feel worthless and spent his days mentally abusing himself. It was also around this time that he developed severe acne that made him extremely self-conscious about his image. Throughout college, Prendergast struggled to pull himself out of the self-hatred and negativity that filled his mind, but the issues only grew. By incorporating positivity into his life, he turn his world around. He implemented different strategies focused on changing his mindset and saw his life drastically change. By harnessing the power of positive self-talk, Prendergast learned how to achieve self-security regardless of what life threw his way. Currently, his life is focused on helping people overcome the everyday mental obstacles that hold them back in life. His story is powerful, relatable, and relevant to students. As a speaker for Minding Your Mind, Prendergast works to inspire others to climb out of the darkness and find the light in their lives.
 
Minding Your Mind's primary objective is to provide mental health education to adolescents, teens and young adults, their parents, teachers and school administrators. Their goal is to reduce the stigma and destructive behaviors often associated with mental health issues. Treatment is available, yet only three out of 10 individuals needing help actually seek it. Minding Your Mind Programs move away from crisis based response to prevention through education. The Minding Your Mind program is open to the campus community and is a passport event.



 
Immediately following the Minding Your Mind program, all members of GriffinNation are invited to Sorgenti Arena for an evening of entertainment as the Chestnut Hill College men's and women's basketball teams host Midnight Madness. Starting at 10:00 p.m. with player introductions, the hardwood spectacle will feature a DJ, a skills competition, three point shooting contest, a men's intra-squad scrimmage, and a dunk finale. Auditions for the Chestnut Hill College Mascot will be held throughout, interested parties can sign up by using the provided link.
 
The Scarlet and Gold Game is a Chestnut Hill College baseball tradition, which features a nine-inning split squad scrimmage between the upper and lower classmen. Concessions and team apparel will be available for purchase throughout the evening.