A
whole new ballgame
Whitney Wallace, posted Nov. 13, 2006
With five
games played this season, Mizzou Arena has witnessed the beginning
product of this year’s student cheering section known
as Zou Crew. For a section dating back into the nineties,
this is only the second season for Mizzou Arena to take on
the invasion of proud and spirited fans decked out in vibrant
black-and-gold outfits, along with the sound of the students’
deafening roar.
According
to MU student and Zou Crew co-chairman Marcus Petree, the
roar of tiger fans makes an impact on the arena’s atmosphere.
“It is loud and crazy and according to ESPN anchor John
Anderson, the KU game last year was the loudest college basketball
game he had ever been to,” Petree said.
The KU
game hasn’t rolled around yet this season, but Tiger
basketball is already off to a fresh start. “New Coach.
New Attitude. New Crew. It’s a Whole New Ball Game.”
That motto, found on the back of nearly 850 Zou Crew member
t-shirts, represents this year’s theme for the cheering
section according to Petree. “With the new coach, new
structuring of the crew, etc., we are hoping to start fresh
with this new season and making it the best one on record,”
Petree said.
While
the first few games have given students something to cheer
about, it seems these dedicated fans will show their support
until the end. CAFNR student and Zou Crew member Mallory Odneal
says her Mizzou spirit got her interested in the section.
“I signed up for Zou Crew because I like to be crazy
at sporting events,” Odneal said.
Petree
has similar feelings about the Zou Crew experience. “My
favorite part of Zou Crew is having the opportunity to sit
so close to the court and also being able to enjoy the games
with other students who love Mizzou Basketball as much as
I do,” Petree said. “Another great part of being
in Zou Crew is having the opportunity to impact the game by
being loud and crazy and cheering on the tigers.” Odneal
shares in Petree’s excitement when it comes to showing
her own spirit. “I am most excited to be able to dress
up in crazy costumes and be as loud as I can,” she said.
This
enthusiastic school spirit doesn’t just take place during
the game. Members dedicate much more time than just showing
up for the tip-off. “We start forming a line outside
the arena three hours before tip-off,” Petree said.
This time commitment lasts throughout the season as faithful
members attend game after game. “By being at every game,
we ensure that the crowd always stays involved and the atmosphere
inside the arena stays conducive to playing great basketball,”
he said.
As the
Tigers prepare for a match-up against Lipscomb on Thursday,
Nov. 16, Zou Crew members will gather once again to show their
Tiger spirit, because this year, “It’s a whole
new ballgame.”
