Ready for battle Despite their appearance, the celebrity basketball team for this year’s Marlin Mania says it’s ready to take to the court. From left are Marlins basketball coach Joe Kocurek, Nueces County Precinct 4 Constable Bobby Sherwood, Mayor Keith McMullin, Marlin senior Connor Collins, deputy city manager Dave Parsons, Marlin senior Andrew Groseclose, police chief Scott Burroughs and Marlin senior Chris Eggleston. Not present for the photo was senior Storm Bales. The Marlin Mania fundraiser will rock Doyle Marek Gym on Thursday, Nov. 3. COURTESY PHOTO BY BETH OWENS Things will be wild on Thursday, Nov. 3, when Marlin Mania hits the gym at Port Aransas High School.

Conjured up last year as a fundraiser to help Marlins go to out-of-town tournaments, the event will include the girls team this year and for the first time, a full team of Marlins alumni.

The festivities begin at 6 p.m.

Marlin Mania features wacky ( and not- so- easy) competitions as well as the chance to meet members of the teams.

Chief Marlin Maniac Joe Kocurek has plans again for games this year, but hasn’t yet revealed details. Last year, the fun included an event where competitors had to dip their faces in a bowl of whipped cream before taking the floor for basketball shots.

Other events at the 2010 gala included a free-throw contest wearing sun glasses and using a special ball; a half-court shoot; and an egg race (how you get the egg to the other end of the gym is up to you, but if you break it you must start over).

A ticket ($10 for adults, $5 for kids) will get pizza from Port A Pizzeria, plus a drink and a ticket for a door prize.

Some retro Marlin jerseys showed up last year and were sold to those who wanted to bring back memories of Marlins teams from the past.