Blackout begins new NGU tradition
Posted by The Skyliner on September 2nd, 2009Candace Paschall
Staff Writer
Usually the reason for a sea of black is death or tragedy, but this was not the case at North Greenville University this past weekend. The “blackout” on campus was due to the events spanning Thursday night until kickoff Saturday night, when a new football season was welcomed in.
Student Services came up with the name “Blackout” this summer, borrowing it from a Louisville, Kentucky team who used the same kind of event to boost morale and show support for their team.
Timmy Tyner, senior youth ministry, said the purpose of the Blackout was to create school spirit and unity. As far as he knows, this was the first event of its kind at the North Greenville campus. Apparently the event started small, but it grew into something more, with many campus organizations involved, including, but not limited to BSU, Campus Ministries and Student Services.
“The administration has really opened its doors for students to plan this out. I think it’s really cool that [they] are allowing the students to do that,” Tyner said. He also pointed out that this semester there is a new coach, new offense and a new freshman class, so it’s only natural that a new campus wide event would follow.
The festivities began with a pep rally at the tennis courts Thursday night. The band, cheerleaders, and football players were all there to get the campus riled up and ready for the upcoming game. Diane Turner, student activities coordinator, was also there giving away prizes throughout the night.
“I’m really excited to see all the different [campus] organizations coming together for this event,” she said.
On Friday night the festivities continued with the showing of “We Are Marshall” at Todd Dining Hall.
Saturday afternoon was the main focus of the Blackout, when student tailgating began at 3 p.m. There was an abundance of food, ultimate Frisbee, giveaways and straight up fun. School spirit wasn’t lacking at all, as the majority of students donned black “Crusader Crazies” t-shirts or some other form of black clothing, sticking with the “blackout” theme.
“I believe a new tradition will begin today at NGU,” said cheerleading captain Austin Barrett, junior sports management.
Rain threatened to ruin the event at one point, but it quickly subsided and the Crusaders were left with a beautiful rainbow to admire. As kickoff neared closer, excitement among students began to grow and was nearly uncontrollable as the Crusaders took the field for the first time this season. Support for the team was overwhelming between the many people wearing black, others with their faces painted, and a few that stood for the entire game.
Overall, the Blackout proved to be a success. Indeed, Barrett was right. A new tradition has begun at North Greenville University: one of vast support, loud fans and incredible school spirit.
Tags: Fall 2009, Vol. 109 - Issue 1