Spirit Week pumps up Bronco pride
By Kristina Chiapella
From club fairs and capture the flag to concerts and a Ruff Rider rally, so far Spirit Week has been packed with events. At the beginning of the week, there was a notable change in energy across campus as students revved up for the activities.
Austin Woody, former student senator for Associated Students had initially pitched the idea for a Homecoming Week last spring. As exciting as this plan was, additional assistance was necessary to turn the idea into a reality. Several meetings resulted in academic support manager Steve O'Brien taking the lead as the planner of what would be called Spirit Week activities.
"He presented the Bronco Spirit Week plan to Athletics, Residential Learning Community Association, Ruff Riders, Activities Programming Board and many other sectors in hopes that everyone could take on an event to plan," said Julia Niles, student body vice president. "He has dedicated his summer and fall quarter toward this week."
It has been demonstrated over the past few days exactly what these plans entail. Beginning on Sunday, Bronco spirit was in the air as the spectators gathered at Buck Shaw Stadium and cheered the women's soccer team on to its 2-0 victory against the University of San Diego.
On Monday, the main event was a special talk led by history professor George Giacomini, titled "History and Tradition," which gave students the opportunity to learn about the stories and heritage behind the university. Those who attended also viewed the Alumni Association's anniversary video commemorating its 125th year.
Tuesday night featured a special RLCA event, with the entire campus invited to participate in a giant game of capture the flag.
The two teams were divided into East side and West side, with the Communitas, da Vinci, Xavier, Loyola and ALPHA RLCs making up the East and sporting blue colors.
Their West side opponents wore red colors and included students from Unity, Modern Perspectives, St. Clare, Cypress, Delphi and Nobili.
Wednesday, the activities continued with a campus-wide Ruff Rider rally, where dozens of students turned up to demonstrate their Bronco pride. In the evening The Bronco hosted the band Diamond Lane, a rock group that formed in the local San Jose area.
Tonight there's even more going on, including an exclusive viewing of the new "Game Face" exhibit in the de Saisset Museum at 6 p.m.
For seniors there will be a special class event at eight, and for all students there will be another concert in The Bronco at 9:30 p.m. featuring the band Paper.
Tomorrow is the last day of Spirit Week, and will likely go out with a bang. Friday's theme is school colors, so make sure to flaunt your red and white apparel.
Hopefully you already bought your tickets to the pre-game barbecue that's happening at 5 p.m. in Alumni Park, but if not, you might still be able to purchase them for $13.
After you eat, take your seats on the bleachers of Buck Shaw Stadium and show your Bronco spirit as the men's soccer team plays Saint Mary's at 7 p.m. After hopefully screaming Santa Clara to another victory, celebrate at The Bronco's after party, where DJ Check-O will allow you to dance the night away.
"There have been spirit weeks in the past that were tried, but without students support and attendance at the events, they cannot be successful," said Niles. "We are hoping that this week is successful; meaning that students from on and off campus come together at the different events to show that we are all proud to be part of this SCU community. If students will participate, we will have the Bronco Spirit Week for years to come."
Contact Kristina Chiapella at kchiapella@scu.edu.