The first athletic event I attended this semester was a men's soccer game against Providence College. Not a particularly zealous fan of soccer, I didn't expect to be enraptured for the entirety of the game. However, as the clock counted down, I found myself unable to tear my eyes away from the field.
The players showed such determination and exhibited a grace under pressure that I hadn't witnessed until then. They ran nonstop throughout the game, and if they were at all tired, they definitely didn't show it. The offense and defense worked together to seamlessly create a cohesive unit. For the duration of the event, I didn't even feel like I was watching a sports game; I was so absorbed, I felt like I was playing in one.
The show doesn't just take place on the field, though. The loyal, supportive fans are also a sight to be seen. Often decked out in face paint and sporting Brown paraphernalia, some students show so much spirit and energy that they become some of the reasons I go to games. Seeing my peers actively rooting for our teams and cheering on our players so enthusiastically makes me feel comforted in knowing that these positive, encouraging people are my classmates. All in all, it's a unifying experience in that it brings people from various backgrounds together. It isn't everyday you see strangers sitting with each other and getting along famously because they happen to support the same team.
I feel that many students take the athletics department at Brown for granted. Coming from a high school where academics were prioritized and athletics were subpar, I realize how lucky I am that Brown's sports games are actually worth watching. It sometimes comes as a shock to me to go to a home game and see so few students in the stands; why not go when it's so convenient, not to mention free? College doesn't last forever, and now is the best chance we have to show our spirit and support our school.
While it may not seem like a big deal to some, showing up at games and supporting athletic teams actually helps. An amazing example of such spirit was exhibited at this year's homecoming football game. The stands were packed, bodies were painted and incredible amounts of noise were made. From booming, multitudinous cheers like "Go Bruno!" to less encouraging jibes directed at the opposing team — such as "Harvard sucks!" — a majority of the fans vocally showed their support and Brunonian pride.
After an intense game against Harvard, our football team became the victor, owing some of its credit to the loyal fans. At several points during the game some of the players motioned to the crowd to keep up the cheering, resulting in louder shouts of encouragement and consequently louder jeers directed at the other team. This essentially showed that the players want all the support they can get and enjoy being cheered on, hence the copious amounts of advertising as well as spreading the word about upcoming games. It's hard to miss sports announcements; they seem to constantly show up everywhere: table slips and LCD notices in the Ratty, huge signs hung on Wriston Quad, messages via the Brown Morning Mail and, of course, notifications in The Herald. Even the athletes themselves encourage students they don't know to go to events. The more support they receive, the more likely they'll perform better during the games.
The amount of enthusiasm and excitement present at these events is almost palpable; from the second the fans begin to arrive until after the game ends, there's a constant positive energy in the atmosphere. The moment a point is scored or a goal is made, the people on the bleachers erupt in cheers and get on their feet in excitement. Whether it is by young students, elderly grandparents or tiny toddlers out in the stands, support is appreciated regardless of age and gender. This just goes to show that there is no discrimination in school spirit.
Athletic events aren't just for watching athletes perform. They are also chances to express school pride, meet new people, make new friends and have fun. While some people may not believe themselves to be the "game" type, it never hurts to go out and watch some games.
So, if you don't have anything to do on a Friday night or Sunday afternoon, check out a sporting event and support your fellow classmates. You might even enjoy it! Overall, Brown sporting events are a great way to support your school and simultaneously have a fun time.
Deniz Ilgen '13 is a civil engineering concentrator from Los Gatos, Calif. She can be reached at deniz_ilgen [at] brown.edu
