Final Story/Article #2
Nancy Seeman
Fund. Of Journalism
October 12, 2012
Story/Article #2 Final
The Hill
Cheapskates hill is a tradition most enjoys being a part of. For those whom aren’t familiar of the hill, picture 150 to 300 students on a hill overlooking the stadium cheering on Morningside’s successful football team. However cheering isn’t the only thing that goes on up on the hill.
Use of alcoholic beverages is a common factor as to why students spend their time on the hill as opposed to being in the stands to support our undefeated Mustang football team.
Senior at Morningside College Nick Hessa states, “College is a place for us to have fun for 4 years, and for a lot of students having fun involves alcohol. Let us bring alcohol into the stadium and then we will support from the inside.”
Hessa claims that the fans support just as much on the hill as they would in the stands, its just further away therefore isn’t as noticed.
However, what people have noticed is the attendance on the hill being greater than in the stands. Morningside faculty of the athletic department, Cheryl Gamble, is trying to do something about this. She has brought together a group to brainstorm ways to get more students to the actual game.
This group discussed many options such as having themed games so students can dress up in costumes, to bringing in a mechanical bull to gain attendance. The themes idea is the one that stuck.
Cheerleader Lexi Busch comments, “It’s nice to have a big crowd out there for us cheerleaders to feed off of. There’s nothing like the feeling of having a full stands in front of you cheering along.”
This feeling is perhaps why the cheerleaders have been a main force in working on gaining attendance to games. The played a huge roll in the first western themed game by leading line dances during quarter breaks, and sporting bandanas in their hair.
Rumor has it, the football team is also not supportive of the hill when it comes to our fans. Junior football player Jordan Sitzmann tweeted on September 8th, “Hope we get a good student section inside the stadium tonight and not just on the hill #Need the noise.”
Other similar comments have been rumored to be floating around the football team, as well as the coaching staff.
With the season only midway and homecoming coming up this weekend, there is still a chance for the students of Morningside to fill the student section in the stands. The homecoming game has a theme of Hollywood, which hopefully will attract students to attend the game dressed as their favorite celebrity.
Hessa states again “I can’t say much will change for the football season. Basketball season we will be right their in the stands, but college is college and students are going to do what they want to have fun, and theirs not much people can do about that unfortunately.”