Annual Spirit of IU event teaches freshmen sports’ traditions

Deafening booms from noisemakers and competing residence hall chants pulsated through Assembly Hall as freshmen filed in for their first taste of Hoosier spirit at Traditions and Spirit of IU on Friday afternoon.

The event is an annual part of Welcome Week, and it aims to introduce new students to IU customs and get them excited about showing spirit for their school.

Many students said they attended the event for just that reason.

“It’s kind of my first college pep rally, and I just wanted to feel the atmosphere and start getting pumped,” freshman Kory Bailey said.

Freshmen and transfer students were welcomed to Hoosier Nation and introduced to several IU teams.

Speakers included IU Athletics Director Fred Glass, men’s basketball coach Tom Crean, women’s basketball coach Felisha Legette-Jack and football coach Bill Lynch. They encouraged students to support IU athletics by attending games and cheering.

“As much as Boston schools have spirit, it’s nothing compared to schools out west – spirit like this,” said sophomore Andrew Corr, a transfer student. He said he would have liked to see more transfer students in attendance.

The IU Marching Hundred, RedSteppers and cheerleaders also fired up the crowd by putting on a show. Then they taught students cheers, chants and the fight song.

Lynch brought the excitement to a peak by offering all in attendance a free ticket to Thursday’s football game as well as the opportunity to lead the team onto the field. Students not in attendance at the rally can purchase single football game tickets for $5 at the ticket office in Assembly Hall.

“I figured it would be fun to learn the cheers and go to stuff – that’s important,” said freshman Michael Pace. “Get involved.”

Many students said Traditions and Spirit made them feel more comfortable with the cheers and the event motivated them to get in the spirit and go to games.

“I didn’t think I’d go to any games, but I actually think I might go to a couple now,” freshman Liza Saracina said.

Freshman Kara Hollis summed up the energy and impact of the event.

“I watch basketball on TV,” she said. “And when I heard ‘Let’s go Hoosiers,’ I got chills because it’s like I’m part of it now.”