Reviving Campus Spirit
Photo by Maya Tedini
As the new school year kicks off, so does the opportunity to amplify student attendance at on-campus athletic events.
An energetic atmosphere, roaring crowd, and unified display of school pride at sports games are widely regarded as among the most enjoyable aspects of the college experience in the United States. A small, close-knit campus community like that of Pacific is all the more reason for coming together to support our Division I athletics. Still, as scarcely filled stands continue to be characteristic of countless sports games, it appears that just the opposite is taking place.
Members of the Pacific community will find that athletes, students, and faculty frequently attest to the fact that school sports are not something that a large portion of the student body rallies around. Athletic Director Adam Tschour noted that, as an institution that attracts high-caliber, academic-minded students, low attendance at games is part of a larger problem that Pacific has with getting students to engage in non-academic extracurriculars.
“We need to break that trend, because if you're going to come to a place like Pacific, you have to get the full college experience,” Tschour said. “It can't just be what you're doing in the classroom. It's something we're all trying to tackle right now to break that mindset, but it's been tough.”
Tschour shared that several ideas aimed at rallying student engagement with athletic events are currently circulating in the athletic department, along with discussions including ASUOP representatives that are centered around this goal. Recalling his own college experience along with the more lively games he has experienced at Pacific, Tschour spoke on the importance of unity and engagement across the student body.
“The more of you that go and sit there — it's an exponential thing, right?” Tschour said. “The bigger it gets, the more of you that are there, the better time you're all going to have collectively. As it declines, and it gets down to just a few people and you're all spread out across 1,500 seats worth of bleachers, you're not packed in together and having that experience.”
By what seems like simply attending a game, each attendee provides a service to their school and the fellow students they are supporting.
“As a student myself who goes to these games, when it's more energetic and lively, you can see how it impacts and helps the athletes, because having home court advantage with a full crowd can kind of make or break a game for you,” junior women’s tennis player Nahreen Cheam said. “Cheering helps, and having people with school spirit supporting you can make a big difference.”
It is important to note that athletes themselves have a critical role in garnering engagement among the larger student body. By attending each other’s games and interacting with students all over campus, athletes build supportive relationships with one another and the broader community, setting the stage for increased camaraderie and involvement.
“Getting an audience at games really starts with us, and it's as simple as when you go to class, make friends and then invite them to your game,” Cheam said. “It starts with us reaching out and talking to other students and trying not to create a culture divide between athletes and everyone else, because in the end, we all go to the same school and we all want to show school spirit.”
Tschour discussed an academic credit opportunity that other universities, like Stetson University in Florida, offer to students known as a “cultural credit.” If a student attends enough extracurricular events in a year, including concerts, guest lectures, and athletic events, or participates in certain organizations like student government and Greek life, they can earn a credit towards graduation.
While incentivizing student engagement in ways like this is a worthwhile pursuit for the athletic department and should remain a prioritized discussion for the benefit of our campus culture, students should ultimately take initiative.
It is necessary to recognize that students juggle demanding academic responsibilities and outside commitments, keeping their schedules busy. However, building in rest blocks is crucial for every student to preserve the stamina and well-being required to maintain balance. Attending a game could serve as an opportunity to take a mental break while connecting with the school community.
“College is obviously about educating your brain, but it's also about preparing you for life,” Tschour said. “This is your first time out of your household. You're on your own. Going out and having a broad, robust experience is beneficial in terms of getting ready to see what the real world is like.”
With the school year having just begun, and several sports seasons underway, the responsibility to reshape Pacific’s campus culture falls to every student. It is up to each individual to determine their college experience, and choosing to engage with the community by supporting athletics initiates involvement that has the potential to contribute to a more vibrant, fulfilling campus life.