By Cam Fors
Football helmets, deer heads and a classic whiteout theme were just some of the attire that highlighted the Springfield College crowd for the men’s volleyball final four on Thursday. After every Springfield point scored, Blake Arena featured its best earthquake impression. In a standing-room-only contest featuring Springfield College and California Lutheran, the Pride supporters became an immediate issue for the away side. The pure energy produced by the Springfield College faithful led the home team to a thunderous and deafening victory in three sets, to advance to the national championship game.
Rather than letting the atmosphere in the arena affect them negatively, the Pride used the powerful volume to rise to the occasion. In a crucial game for both teams, Springfield used the audience to their own advantage.
“It’s like an extra person for sure,” said longtime Pride head coach Charlie Sullivan, who could be seen thanking fans for their attendance on their way out of the arena.
Sullivan, who has seen a plethora of packed houses at Blake Arena over his coaching career, always cherishes the home attendance for these big games, which brings together different aspects of the Springfield College community, such as athletes, staff and local fans in a unique way.
“To have so much participation from all the teams on campus, coming out to the match and supporting us, it’s like an extra player or a couple extra points for sure,” Sullivan said. “I truly believe that the Springfield College community is unique.”
Sullivan isn’t alone in cherishing the crowd; the volleyball team itself appreciates the massive amount of support shown by the very place they represent. Knowing that they aren’t just representing the college itself, but the Springfield College community that stands behind them is a very special honor for them.
“It’s an electric atmosphere,” said Pride junior Brennan Cutter. “The support we get here is so great. It really helps us and pushes us to win a couple more points.”
As Springfield prepares for the national championship match, the energy inside Blake Arena will remain a defining part of the team’s postseason success. The passion from the Springfield College community has become more than just fans attending a volleyball game, but serving as a true competitive advantage. From the whiteout crowd to the deafening cheers after every point, the Pride have embraced the support and turned it into momentum on the court. For a team whose goal year in and year out is no less than chasing a national title, having an entire community standing behind them makes the journey even more meaningful.
(Photo courtesy of Springfield College Athletics/Flickr)