By Sophia Tozzi
An electric sea of white, made up of Springfield College’s student-athletes and non-athletes, contributed to the explosive atmosphere in game one of the Final Four on Thursday evening. Blake Arena was the site of the Pride’s sweep over Cal Lutheran University. In these sets, the Pride defeated The Kingsmen 25-20, 25-21, and 25-18, encouraging the crowd further.
The message of wearing white was delivered successfully, as women’s and men’s lacrosse, baseball, men’s ice hockey, men’s and women’s basketball, and other teams repped the home team.
“Honestly, this has been one of the craziest environments outside of my own sport,” says sophomore gymnast Cameron Rhymes. The atmosphere of Blake Arena reminded him of when he would attend NBA and NFL games growing up.
Former coaches and professors made their way to Blake Arena to spectate game one, including Coach Michael Theulen, assistant professor of sport management and former women’s and men’s basketball coach. Theulen, familiar with Blake Arena, was proud of what he saw tonight. “It makes me feel proud when all the students and athletes come out and support this team; it warms my heart,” Theulen stated.
The men’s wrestling team showed their support by packing the aisles of Blake Arena, dressed in white singlets, and waving their shirts around. Sophomore wrestler, Nate Spuhler, was among that rowdy crowd, and he embraced it, “… the fact that the whole community can come out and cheer for all of our guys is just amazing, I love it.”
The environment was described as eccentric, lively, and as one big family. President Mary-Beth Cooper even came to show her support. Cooper is a common sight at Springfield College Athletic events. “Tonight was amazing,” Cooper stated, “And I think our opponents tonight, and Saturday, it’s tough to play against them, it’s the home court advantage.”
Cooper showed up to support the Pride in a yellow pantsuit that had a hint of blue. “I’m the thirteenth president, and I am in my thirteenth year,” was Cooper’s explanation for changing into a white Springfield jersey with the number thirteen on the front.
Springfield College is not only the Birthplace of Basketball, down the street from the birthplace of volleyball, but it is also home to the most prideful bunch.
Photo by Emma Bynes/The Student