Student Life ArchivesTwenty-eight All-Americans; 19 postseason appearances; eight UAA Players of the Year; eight UAA Championship teams; four national runners-up; one national player of the year.
No, this is not the entire history of Washington University sports; these are the results from the 2006-2007 school year. After last season’s fifth-place finish in the Director’s Cup, there has never been a better time to be involved in Wash. U. sports. Even if you can’t quite make the cut for a varsity team, there are still plenty of ways to become part of the Bears’ family.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to become involved is to become part of the ever-growing fan base. During the postseason last winter, students packed the Field House like never before as the men’s basketball team played two tournament home games. Everyone was on their feet in the student section. It is time to make that the atmosphere at every Wash. U. sporting event.
The student group Red Alert helps to rouse the Red and Green crowd spirit before and during games. Throughout the year, the club plans special Red Alert game days, which always include free pizza and prizes and increase attendance in supporting all teams.
“Red Alert’s biggest function within the athletic community is to show the players and teams the support they need and deserve,” said Executive Advisor Ryon Buchman. “Our teams work extremely hard and are really good at what they do. As a group, we think it’s only fitting to show them that the student body is behind them.”
Be on the lookout for Red Alert during move-in, as they give away free T-shirts.
Freshman residential advisors (RAs) will also often plan floor events to go to games to show their residents the world of Bears sports. This is a great way to attend games with a group of friends.
“By going to a sporting event as a floor everyone has a good time,” said RA Katie Kotowski, a senior. “People feel more relaxed to cheer, yell and have a good time and help each other get into a game.”
As varsity athletes are first and foremost students at Wash. U., it is very possible that one or two could be living down the hall from you or even in the same room. You might very well be going to games to support friends, making the games all the more personal than they could ever be in Division I.
“We had varsity soccer players on my floor last year and everyone always wanted to go to the games. We made shirts, yelled and enjoyed the games,” added Kotowski.
So get ready for Red and Green and another successful year in sports, whether you’re playing in the game or cheering on the sidelines.