The Spectrum

Issue date: 2/1/07 Section: News

Media Credit: The Spectrum/Elyse Harrell

Everyone has heard of "it."

"Big Red" at "Pack the Pitt" might be the most mysterious event and well kept secret on campus.

With rumors swirling around about the introduction of "Big Red" at "Pack the Pitt", the infamous "thing" could make for a very successful event.

So who or what exactly is "Big Red"?

"Basically all I can tell you is that Big Red is coming," said Jim Daly, student body president, senior, Hazlet, N.J.

Guesses about "Big Red" have ranged from a University mascot, to a slogan to a pack of gum.

Students like Kelly Daly, sophomore, Stamford, find it hard to talk to anyone on campus who has not heard about "Big Red".

"I don't know what it is but I'm guessing that its going to be pretty good since everyone's so excited about it" said Kelly Daly.

Anticipation is running high about the Feb. 10 event that could go down in Sacred Heart history.

"Of course I have heard about Big Red, who hasn't?" said Jeff Frechette, sophomore, Goffstown N.H. "[Sacred Heart] is really hyping it up to get everyone to go to 'Pack the Pitt'. I am going and I know it is going to draw in a huge crowd."

With record numbers in 2006 for "Pack the Pitt," the student government is working hard to draw an even bigger crowd this year. And "Big Red" is just the character, object or thing to do it.

"Last year at 'Pack the Pitt', the student government helped break every attendance record possible at SHU," said Daly. "We destroyed both the previous records for both the men and women games.

"People are going to come to find out what 'Big Red' is. It will only add more [people] to the attendance. Get there early because I guarantee you will not be able to find a seat."

Other students seem to agree with Daly's belief that the stands at 'Pack the Pitt' are going to be "packed."

"I think more people will attend Pack the Pitt because people are curious about what exactly it [Big Red] is" said Jessica Demeritt, sophomore, Seabrook, N.H. "And that is why I am going."

But "Pack the Pitt" is more then just the unveiling of "Big Red". It's the athletic talent of the men and women basketball teams that should draw spectators, too.

"[Sacred Heart] should be expecting two exciting basketball games. Both our basketball teams are playing extremely well and are in the top of their conferences," said Daly. "The women begin the day facing Robert Morris at 2pm and the men play at 4pm against Wagner.

"Student government expects a huge turnout of students, alumni and friends. There will be giveaways of t-shirts, towels, Ipods, etc. It is really going to be a school spirited day, besides the fact that Big Red is coming."

According to Daly, "Big Red" is going to be a "major recognition" for Sacred Heart.

The culmination of curiosity about Big Red will explode at Pack the Pitt, as SHU spirit will help sore the basketball teams to victory.

So be ready. Get "SHU"per excited. The countdown to "Big Red" has begun.

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