Small crowds, big noise

Posted by admin on Jan 20, 2009 in Sports | 0 comments

Throughout the past two years, I have noticed that there has been a mystifying but spectacular phenomenon that occurs at Trinity Western University: support.

Have you ever looked around the stands and noticed how well-attended TWU’s sports events are on weekends? To further that thought, have you ever really thought about the fact that throughout the majority of the year, students are attending games that to most students across the country are unimportant or just regular season games?

Let’s start with the Spartans. You know the reason that most of us have to leave for the David E. Enarson Gym or the soccer field about a half hour before the games even start? That’s because it’s hard to find a seat. Any Thursday, Friday or Saturday night home game promises to be completely full and rowdy. Beyond that, at every Spartan game you can also find a group of half-naked men, covered in body paint and carrying some sort of make-shift weapon to enter the event about three minutes into the game, much to the applause of the crowd. You may also find children waving their shirts in the air, cheering the Spartans on. On occasion, the MEI Marching Band brings an American Collegiate enthusiasm that rocks stoppages of play and demands attention at half time. Throw in the occasional “Oy! Oy! Oy!” and what you have is nothing short of spectacular.

What many TWU students don’t understand is that this type of energy, passion and attendance doesn’t occur at very many universities at all.

To continue this thought, let’s shift gears to the Titans. Although Titans sporting events take place off-campus, fans have come to cheer on Titans this year more than ever. Soccer bleachers have the occasional sign, an impressive amount of fans and a love that most people wouldn’t give up their Saturday mornings or late Sunday afternoons for. Titans hockey also manages to draw noticeable crowds, even when they battle the Bombers for fan turnout. The volleyball teams were well supported and basketball continues to grow on people’s minds. (Although, I think fans should wake up to watching rowing more often.)

Now brace yourself for the next team, because this one is far beyond any comprehension or understanding. The Bombers have crowds that are over-packed and beyond sanity during the regular season. Then playoffs or finals come around and students stand around the entire rink, waving their newly purchased Bombers merchandise, screaming like the Stanley Cup is on the line. Bombers fans have been known to yell strong statements of anger towards referees for any call that goes against the squad. Bombers fans ignite passion into their favourite players, proving their slogan: “without fans, we’re just rec hockey.”

To add to the matter, the Spartans are moving off campus to play their games next semester. Seating will improve, intensity will be sky high because of the venue and more seats means only one thing: more passionate TWU screaming fans.

So the next time you are at a TWU sporting event, take a look around you. What you may find is not a lack of activities to do at our university or that the Responsibilities of Membership is keeping people from having a good time. You also won’t find people who don’t want to be there. What you will find is a school that lives and dies by its sports teams. You will find that the students leave as much on the floor as the athletes. What you will find is a passion, a passion that unites us all.