2008 Woodie Awards
Lack of Pioneer Pride
Katie Carroll
Issue date: 2/1/07 Section: Perspectives
- Page 1 of 1
ting in line for tickets for your college team? Or sleeping in the halls in hopes to get those season tickets that only college kids have the chance of attaining at their home field?
For Sacred Heart University students like Jeff LeBlanc, a junior, Centermoriches, N.Y., Matt Giordano, a senior from Yorktown Heights, N.Y and Jessica Hill, a junior from East Rockaway, N.Y this experience seems like it will never happen.
Students as well as peers are awaiting a change in the lack of enthusiasm of supporting the SHU's athletic teams.
Jeff LeBlanc a former Pioneer volleyball player is a regular sports supporter for the SHU. He enjoys the SHU band, cheerleaders, as well as the dance team who performs for the crowds at the athletic events.
"I go to most men's and women's volleyball games, whenever my schedule allows it. I also try to go to the men's and women's basketball games. However, I think there is a lack of knowledge on how exciting SHU's sports actually are. In the case of volleyball it is actually really exciting to watch, but no one gives it a chance," said Jeff LeBlanc, junior, Centermoriches, N.Y.
With the University's entertainment and exciting atmosphere it is surprising that there is such a lack of spirit.
"There is little student unity towards the University's sports programs. It's mostly just an opportunity to hang out with friends and talk about what's up for the weekend. I'm sure everyone here at SHU wants to attend a game that can measure up to a Big Ten school atmosphere. At those schools everyone is representing his or her team colors and painting their school pride on their face. Here it seems to be the opposite, people seem to go to games to watch our teams lose," said Matt Giordano, junior, Yorktown Heights, N.Y.
With free admission by using your SHU ID card, what is stopping students from coming out and supporting their teams?
"I would go to more events if they were more fun. The fans aren't that into the games here at SHU and at times it doesn't even seem like the players are. The school sends out emails so remembering shouldn't be the problem. There needs to be enough people at games to make it a fun atmosphere," said Jessica Hill, junior, East Rockaway, N.Y.
The students interviewed do feel that Sacred Heart University is doing an exellent job of getting the attention of students. Perhaps if the SHU could give out clothing, food or had raffles, when students walked into the Pitt Center it would attract more students to the events.
Katie Murphy, a member of the student government would like all students to know that "on Saturday February 10, 2007, there will be a special event called 'Pack the Pitt.' This event will reveal 'Big Red,' our new school mascot, and there will be a contest between all the classes here at SHU to see who has the most school spirit."
Both the men and women's basketball teams have games and it will be an all day event. Students who get there first will receive free give a ways at the first game. Students are not required to stay for the whole event, however, student government believes this is a great unifying opportunity and could help promote more school spirit.
For Sacred Heart University students like Jeff LeBlanc, a junior, Centermoriches, N.Y., Matt Giordano, a senior from Yorktown Heights, N.Y and Jessica Hill, a junior from East Rockaway, N.Y this experience seems like it will never happen.
Students as well as peers are awaiting a change in the lack of enthusiasm of supporting the SHU's athletic teams.
Jeff LeBlanc a former Pioneer volleyball player is a regular sports supporter for the SHU. He enjoys the SHU band, cheerleaders, as well as the dance team who performs for the crowds at the athletic events.
"I go to most men's and women's volleyball games, whenever my schedule allows it. I also try to go to the men's and women's basketball games. However, I think there is a lack of knowledge on how exciting SHU's sports actually are. In the case of volleyball it is actually really exciting to watch, but no one gives it a chance," said Jeff LeBlanc, junior, Centermoriches, N.Y.
With the University's entertainment and exciting atmosphere it is surprising that there is such a lack of spirit.
"There is little student unity towards the University's sports programs. It's mostly just an opportunity to hang out with friends and talk about what's up for the weekend. I'm sure everyone here at SHU wants to attend a game that can measure up to a Big Ten school atmosphere. At those schools everyone is representing his or her team colors and painting their school pride on their face. Here it seems to be the opposite, people seem to go to games to watch our teams lose," said Matt Giordano, junior, Yorktown Heights, N.Y.
With free admission by using your SHU ID card, what is stopping students from coming out and supporting their teams?
"I would go to more events if they were more fun. The fans aren't that into the games here at SHU and at times it doesn't even seem like the players are. The school sends out emails so remembering shouldn't be the problem. There needs to be enough people at games to make it a fun atmosphere," said Jessica Hill, junior, East Rockaway, N.Y.
The students interviewed do feel that Sacred Heart University is doing an exellent job of getting the attention of students. Perhaps if the SHU could give out clothing, food or had raffles, when students walked into the Pitt Center it would attract more students to the events.
Katie Murphy, a member of the student government would like all students to know that "on Saturday February 10, 2007, there will be a special event called 'Pack the Pitt.' This event will reveal 'Big Red,' our new school mascot, and there will be a contest between all the classes here at SHU to see who has the most school spirit."
Both the men and women's basketball teams have games and it will be an all day event. Students who get there first will receive free give a ways at the first game. Students are not required to stay for the whole event, however, student government believes this is a great unifying opportunity and could help promote more school spirit.
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