2008 Woodie Awards
Big Red made sure the Pitt was packed
Leah Gallagher
Issue date: 2/15/07 Section: News
|
From free food, to a chanting crowd, free throws and a new face, a new mascot, for Pioneer athletics, last Saturday went down in school history.
"Pack the Pitt" brought in record-breaking numbers this year. With 1,894 people who attended the rally and basketball games; it was the biggest turn out that SHU has ever seen.
The stands were full and the morale was high as the men and the women basketball team's both played action packed games against some stiff competition.
Besides food, "Super Fan" t-shirts were available. The shirts featured "Big Red" the new mascot and free Big Red hand towels were tossed to screaming fans in the crowd.
As promised Big Red was revealed to the SHU community for the first time during half time of the women's game. His entrance was elaborate.
Bucky, the older mascot, was brought out first to throw off the crowd. Then Public Safety arrested Bucky as Big Red appeared and stormed through the crowds, and the court.
So what did students think of Big Red after all?
"Big Red was phenomenal," said Matt Telvi, sophomore, Wallkill, N.Y. "His presence will definitely get fans more involved in the games and pumped to cheer on our Pioneers. He brings more unity to our university and allows us to have a more dominate face for the University."
Kelly Parks, junior, Stoughton, Mass. agrees.
"I think it was a perfect chance to showcase Big Red and that made this year's more exciting," said Parks. "The costume looks great and I think Big Red will play a big role in getting fans to games and developing more school spirit."
Big Red was a pleasant surprise and surpassed many students' expectations.
"I thought the way he came out was incredible," said Colleen Carney, senior, Yorktown Heights, N.Y. "The suspense was killing the student body and he truly lived up what we expected."
The record breaking number of fans that "packed the Pitt" came to watch both the basketball games and Big Red's antics.
"I think the mystery of Big Red attracted a lot more people this year," said Amanda St. Bernard, sophomore, Dedham, Mass. "The crowd seemed a lot more involved and spirited."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Cornell Is Big Red
posted 2/17/07 @ 1:19 PM EST
Did it occur to you folks that "Big Red" belongs to Cornell University? As a matter of fact, Cornell athletics even has a web site known as CornellBigRed. (Continued…)
Post a Comment