Vivian Englund – Copy Editor
Having more spirit at a university like Southern is something that we all could improve on. It’s the little things that we can do to become more spirited: attending a sports event, sporting some Southern Owls apparel, or joining a club or organization to get more involved on campus.
If you have ever been to a sporting event at Southern, especially basketball or football game, you have heard of or seen the Blue Crew.
The Blue Crew is Southern’s first spirit commission. According to their website, students involved in Blue Crew coordinate pep rallies, fan buses, tailgates, halftime contests, and more. Members also attend games and show their SCSU pride while cheering on the Owls.
Sitting with the Blue Crew during sporting events, occasionally involves a portion of the seating being reserved for SCSU students. Regardless, sitting with the Blue Crew is sure to boost school spirit in anyone, as well as providing an experience that must be had before leaving Southern.
The continual cheers, chants and stomping on the bleachers, throughout each game would inspire even the shyest of SCSU students to participate.
It is not uncommon to see SCSU students donning painted faces and chests headed for any Owls game. Many of these events often provide students with Southern Owls temporary tattoos, amongst other free loot. Things like pompoms, banners, and t-shirts are commonly up for grabs.
If you are a latecomer and missed your opportunity for free Owls gear, the campus bookstore has you covered. The bookstore is constantly stocked with SCSU shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, tank tops- you name it, they probably have it. Walmart on Dixwell Ave., in Hamden even has Southern t-shirts in-store.
You're missing all the fun! Come down to Jess Dow Field! Tailgate is NOW! #GameDay #FreeStuff pic.twitter.com/sskFoOlCsg
— Blue Crew (@SCSUBlueCrew) September 27, 2014
Nothing screams school spirit quite like walking onto the bleachers and seeing everyone decked out in blue and white while reciting the chants that are native to Southern. Plus, it is a must to snag a quick Instagram photo with the school mascot, Otis the owl, before the end of the game.
Getting school spirit can be so much more than going to a sporting event or wearing your favorite Owls gear. Joining a club or organization can really impact the way you view Southern as a whole.
Though the club fairs are through for the semester, it is never too late to join a club on campus. According to the 2014-2015 Student Handbook, SCSU offers 65 clubs and organizations. Since we are faced with so many club options, there seems to be a place for everyone here. There are clubs for all sorts of majors, recreational activities as well as social organizations.
Joining a club or organization enhances school spirit because for some it may provide a sense of involvement and activism on campus. Which in turn could generate a more positive experience at Southern, both as a student and as a supporter.
Generally speaking, the first step in getting more spirited for Southern is really just getting out there. Whether that is going to a home game, a pep rally, spending too much Hoot Loot on Southern apparel in the bookstore or joining a new club, is entirely up to you.
At a school like Southern, it is important to show your spirit because all of the encouragement is what makes Southern so great. The spirit that students at Southern have, is as exciting as it is inspiring.
I mean, what other university’s mascot is as cool as an owl?
