The Student Activities Programming Board sponsored the show as part of SpringFest. 

"Ten people auditioned and four made it," Dennis Hicks, graduate adviser for the programming board, said. "The person who won Open Mic Night will also compete." 

Vince Morris, comedian, hosted the show to lift the tension. 

"Morris is originally from Ohio," Hicks said. "He has performed on MTV, Comedy Central and the Martin Short Show." 

Morris began by sharing some of his pet peeves: people who think they are hip, but really aren't; people who use the English language incorrectly. 

Morris encouraged students to learn to laugh. 

"Always stand up for what you believe in and never stop a laugh," Morris said. "Laughter is God's gift. If it's funny, laugh." 

Between Morris' acts, the contestants competed.

Glen Midkiff, resident director of Laidley Hall, and the group, The Word, performed gospel songs. Rhonda Mincey, Washington, D.C, sophomore, sang a gospel song and 757 rapped a song the group wrote. 

"There are a lot of talented people here and this was a great crowd," Morris said. "This was lots of fun and I would be more than happy to come back." 

Faculty members served as judges. They judged performers with a 10-point scale on talent, originality, content, showmanship and overall impression. 

757 came in fourth place, winning $100. Midkiff received $150 for third place. The Word won $300 for second place. Mincey won the show and $500.
 

Although Mincey sings at church, this was only her second performance at Marshall. 

"I wasn't nervous," Mincey said. "I just prayed and asked God to help me spread the message."

Story by Courtney Ross
Photo by Mike Andrick