Pioneer pride is reaching new levels here at Sacred Heart University.

Just walking through the halls on campus will enlighten an outsider to the spirit and attitude that is now encompassing the character of a SHU Pioneer now more than ever.

This is not to suggest that there was never a sense of school spirit before. This year however student turnout for sporting events and campus-run activities are exceptionally higher then last year.

Homecoming was an absolute success this year. While last year's homecoming was nothing close to a failure, this year people showed up capturing record attendance. Fans were covered in such SHU gear such as Pioneer apparel and the new Pioneer pride hats.

On Sunday night, a total of 24 teams showed up at the Pitt Center to participate in the second annual Midnight Volleyball tournament that began at 10:00 p.m. and finished around 2:40 a.m. Students showed up in high spirits with decorated team uniforms that were only to be outdone by the smiles everyone was wearing on their faces.

Another mark of a staggering difference in spirit growth from last year is the turnout for semi-formal. Last year it took an average time of one and a half months to sell out 500 tickets for the winter event. This year, students were sitting outside of Hawley Lounge at 7:30 a.m. waiting to buy tickets. 600 tickets were sold out in a mere four hours.

"I feel that the student body is really starting to catch the pioneer pride fever here on campus," said Mike Tarantino, sophomore, Wantagh, N.Y.

"Just walking anywhere near the Pitt Center during an athletic event, you literally see a red wave of people wearing anything from a SHU sweatshirt to our new Pioneer Pride hats," said Tarantino.

The increased turnout of these events are not only attributed to the students that take the time to attend these affairs, but also to the organizations that run these individual events.

"It really reflects well on both the student body and the athletic department here," said Tarantino. The same could be such organizations as Student Government or the Student Events Team.

"I notice more people talking about SHU events everyday," said Matt Papagno, junior, Mansfield, Mass. "It is very exciting to have a communal feeling of pride at a place many people consider to be their home away from home," said Papagno.

"The fact that there is now a Pioneer Spirit Club says a lot," said Aaron Poach, junior, Wallingford. I love seeing the excitement and commitment that this school has when it comes to things like an athletic event or some that is run by an organization," said Poach.

It comes down to the passion that is driving students all over the SHU campus. Many students will become frustrated with the number of emails they "have to delete" each day. However, this is a testament to the drive that the average SHU student has when it comes to his or her hobbies and passions.

Not only did the homecoming game get a increasingly large turnout this year, but the parade was a success as well.

Various clubs and organizations from SHU spent time and money to make their floats look as festive as possible for the audience of their fellow pioneers who greeted them with smiles and cheers.

It is an excellent time to be a part of the growing tradition of Pioneer Pride.