In case you haven’t heard by now, we are going to San Antonio. And by “we,” I mean the Women’s basketball team and a select few who get to cover the games. Last year, I was barely involved with this phenomenon. I watched the game in the auditorium, but since it was my first semester here at Ashland, I wasn’t that interested. However, this year I got a backstage pass – literally.

I had the great opportunity to get a free pass into Monday’s game and be a part of the action.

With my notepad and pen in hand, I walked the bleachers with motivation, carefully finding students to interview for the story written by myself and Teresa Williams found on page three.

I talked to roughly six different students by the time the game started, and their energy emanated through their words. It was infectious. I love the excitement of games – especially school games, and even more so, schools I’m involved with. It wasn’t hard to get into the game and be excited.

When the game started, I sat down with friends and easily cheered along as Kari and the women scored, and booed when they got fouled. It felt like we were part of the team.

At half time, I again walked around and talked to more students, and I found that almost everyone was at the game simply to support the Eagles. Not to mention, everyone loved the energy and couldn’t have been more proud to be an Eagle.

The intensity of the crowd only grew and the women began to lose after the half, but – like the wonderful Eagles we are – we came back strong and dominated over Wayne State.

It was an all-around great game. And the crowd made it entertaining.

Through my interviewing, it was easy to see that the crowd was full of every type of student: those that have been to every game; those that were drug against their will; those that were there for the thrill; and even the students who experienced the thrill for the first time that night.

Even with the immense diversity in the crowd, one thing remained the same: the energy. Every student stood at the start of the game, and remained on their feet for the entirety of the game. Screams and cheers engulfed Kate’s Gymnasium as baskets were sunk and possessions were stolen. It was, as President Finks said, “electrifying.”

So, if you weren’t at the game Monday, this column is for you. It was easy to see that the student section was one union of students – all together for one common goal of cheering on their fellow students.

After being at the game, it was easy to see that anyone would have enjoyed Monday’s game. The Eagles brought so much energy to the court – it was hard to miss. Even if you aren’t a “sports person,” supporting your Eagles is still an easy thing to do. Come to a “purple out” and wear purple. Cheer on the defense and offense. You don’t have to know what’s going on to have fun and support your team.

It has been said, by our students, that our student section is a unique one in the aspect that we all are together. We take the “go big or go home” saying to heart, as students come in body suits, wigs, painted faces and jerseys. They make signs and chant during games. Monday’s game even included a “roller coaster.”

So, no, you can’t go to San Antonio to support our Eagles. But you can attend one of the many watching parties that will be on campus, and there are many more seasons to come.

And let’s not forget about the other teams on campus that are in need of support. You don’t have to be a full-fledged sports fan to go to games and show support – sitting in the student section and cheering is also support and I’m sure the teams will appreciate every last bit.