Little 500 brings IU campus together

The weekend of Little 500 approached with sheer intensity in the air as it so often has over the race’s storied history. \nNot uncommon were the social gatherings, the support of the riders from their respective fans and the competitive spirit of the riders. Nor did the packed stands on race day come as a surprise. Rather, in a common path trod over generations, the theme of this season’s Little 500 was unity.\nThe unification associated with the “greatest college weekend” is broad and sweeping, encompassing the riders, the coaches, the media and the student body – generally the entire university. From April 16 to the early morning hours of April 22, the campus was concerned only with a bicycle race and its surrounding festivities. As I stood on the infield at Bill Armstrong Stadium, looking at the crowds for each race and listening to the creative chants of sorority sisters, fraternity brothers and random fans, unity was apparent.\nBut the unity involved with Little 500 goes deeper than superficial fan support – though it is no doubt appreciated – and ranges within various aspects of the race. \nTake, for example, that after 100 laps of competition, Kappa Delta claimed victory in the women’s race. The team members were mauled by the media, and, smiling while fighting back tears of joy, the Kappa Delta faithful rushed the track and broke into an uproar of its “OH … KD!” chant. \nCongratulations were passed around, and the excitement of the victory took over the crowd clad in powder blue. But a glance away from the excited winners testified to a greater unity surrounding the race. Some riders greeted others from opposing teams as friends and no longer competition. Other teams sat together with looks of disappointment on their faces, comforting tearful teammates. Such actions speak to the support that the riders of Little 500 will receive from others involved with the race for years to come. Just as every organization of any strength, Little 500 has at its core a bonding of people that is irreplaceable.\nIt would be a disservice not to mention the unity that accompanies the spirit of competition. The buzz in the crowd and in the infield was intoxicating when after the first 100 laps it became apparent that we were going to bear witness to something special. \nAnd as the 180th lap of the men’s race turned, five teams were locked in a battle for the championship. As the sprinters took control of their bikes and prepared for the 200th lap, the entire stadium shook with unabashed anticipation. And Alex Bishop proved as he had in Miss-n-Out that he was the best sprinter in the field, \ncrossing the finish line only slightly before the four teams in pursuit. The tension soon broke, and whether the team each individual was rooting for won or not, each exchanged guilty smiles. All had been caught up in the moment.\nWith the end of this year’s main event and anticipation of the interwoven context that will define next year’s race, it is apparent that IU has proven itself a unified community. Little 500 is yet another aspect of IU life that speaks to the greatness of being a Hoosier.