Low school spirit could become a thing of the past for sports events on campus. The December 6 men’s basketball game drew in an estimated 660 fans according to an athletics department posting.
The high student and community turnout for the game was described as a “raucous season-best crowd” in the article, found on the website of the department.
“You couldn’t even hear yourself think because of how much the crowds were cheering,” says Jessica Sanchez, sophomore.
Students from the Residential Learning Community displayed posters bearing their favorite players’ names.
“We all got together and made posters for the game an hour before, we knew that it was going to be a good game…we just did not imagine a full house,” said Jenny Mendez, freshman woman’s basketball player.
Resident assistants (RAs) from the dorms have also added to the increase of attendants from the on-campus residents.
“Our RAs encourage us to go to the games and support our teams. They let us know when the games are and even come out and sit with us at the games. This is great since we are already on campus…” says Mendez.
The cheering of the crowd was accompanied by “stand tunes” played by the newly formed Fighting Dustdevil Marching Band.
“We are here to support our teams and let our fellow Dustdevils know that we have a very talented band capable of igniting the crowd,” says Uriel Torres, freshman clarinet player.
A section of the actual band plays at the games including two flutes, two clarinets, one trumpet and about eight brass players and percussion according to Torres.
The high turnout of fans at the recent games, including most of the volleyball home season, can be attributed to giveaways by the Department of Athletics during halftime and pizza party contests for fans that cheer the most.
“They [Department of Athletics] always have something new and get the crowd involved. All of the giveaways in addition to our teams playing makes coming to the games all that more exciting,” says Leah Toner, junior international student.
The visible increase in attendance at athletic events comes at a transition time for the university as it is converting to NCAA.