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School spirit. You know, that crazy thing that prompts students to wear their institution’s shirts, scream at games and attend all the athletic events they can?

School spirit should be defined as the emotional support of one’s institution. So where is this emotional support for the University of Denver?

A few years ago, DU’s school spirit was comprised of screaming at hockey games, and then completely ignoring every other sport until they won a championship.

However, in the past three years I have seen a dramatic change in the mindset of students about school spirit on this campus.

Student organizations are now becoming more focused on bringing athletics and school spirit to focus in the mind of the DU student.

I don’t believe that the increase in attendance and the performance of our team is a coincidence.

Students came out, cheered, wore crimson and gold, became emotionally invested and gave their team the home field advantage.

The minute that students heard that DU was hosting the first ever NCAA men’s lacrosse playoff game west of the Mississippi, there was an immediate call to arms and different student organizations came together to plan a tailgate, rally students and get the DU home field advantage.

This shows that students are wanting to see an increase in school spirit, and are willing to work towards it.

I encourage every student to not forget the spirit we have right now, and continue it through the summer and into next year.

This year and beyond, wear your crimson and gold, cheer on every DU team you can, and above all, be proud to be a Pioneer.  

 

-Joey Leon & Liz Bhappu