Smells Like School Spirit

How many of us can say that we've attended a Hendrix athletics home game this semester? Last year? Ever? The sad truth is that that number is abysmally low. It seems that most students at Hendrix swell with pride and school spirit, but where is that school spirit when it comes to athletics? Junior Micah Graf often asked himself the same questions, and the answers he found frustrated him.

                  Graf has long been involved with Hendrix athletics as a member of the Hendrix Golf Team, so his disgruntled attitude is not at all unwarranted. "I started to get frustrated with the apathy with which most of our student population views Hendrix sporting events," Graf said. "I believe that with the loud, energetic, fun-loving population of our campus, it is appalling that we cannot muster together respectably-sized cheering sections at our home games."

                  The low attendance of home games is first and foremost a sign of apathy and, in a sense, somewhat disrespectful to the athletes who train for countless hours in order to excel. Granted, athletes do not train for the audience, but for the sport. However, as Graf explains, "Supporting our friends and fellow students should not be a chore we attempt to avoid, but rather a duty we take seriously as part of our involvement in a collegiate student body." These athletes are not simply athletes; they are your friends, your classmates, your colleagues. Our support not only encourages them to go the extra mile, but it shows that we genuinely care.

                  Graf made a point that not only is the lack of support discouraging to the Hendrix athletes, but it reflects poorly on our student body. "The perception that visiting teams get about our student population is negatively skewed because of our poor showing at games, I want this to change." Graf knows that Hendrix students are capable of more than the bare minimum, so he set out to make a difference in the athletic community.

                  That is where the Hendrix Hype Squad comes into play. Graf was sick and tired of the apathy. "I don't have any specific expectations for this club, but I hope that it will instill a new sense of camaraderie and school spirit into Hendrix students." Graf started a Facebook group, invited a large number of Hendrix students, said his piece, and the group grew from there. As soon as he felt he had enough student support, he proposed the Hype Squad as an official group. It was approved shortly thereafter. The group now has a budget for supplies (Graf mentioned orange suits and body paint) and is recognized as an integral part of the Hendrix community.

                  The Hendrix Hype Squad may have started as a Facebook group and a simple idea, but it has quickly blossomed into a recognized group by the college, and Graf has said that he is "excited that we have the support of the college administration and can build a strong group of people to achieve our goals." Graf looks forward to not only the continual growth and development of the group, but to the sense of camaraderie and excitement it will bring to various athletic events. "People should make room on their calendar for these games, and should look forward to the fun and shenanigans that occur when sporting events are well attended by a supportive crowd. We can be that crowd; we just need a little coordination!" So the next time you see a post on Facebook about an upcoming game, or your friend invites you to a swim meet, take them up on their offer. Show your support, and let your school spirit show!

                  If you would like to get involved with the Hendrix Hype Squad, you can find them on Facebook, or contact Micah at GrafMC@hendrix.edu.