Sporting events at Marshall are seen as opportunities for students to display school spirit and support sports teams. According to some athletes, a loud, enthusiastic crowd can play a large role in helping them perform. Marshall football has long held the highest game attendance, and there is almost always a larger crowd than any other sporting events.
“The crowd plays a big part in getting us hyped up for the game,” junior and varsity football player Brendan Dudding said. “When I break out for a long run, I like to hear the crowd.”
However, as the season wears on, student presence tends to decline at games, leaving only die-hard fans behind. Players believe that it is important to play hard regardless of the size of the crowd.
“We have to make sure that our sideline keeps up the tempo, because at the end, it’s our game…we still have to win the game for us,” Dudding said.
Sports such as basketball don’t get nearly the same size crowd that football does due to spacing constraints. This affects the athletes during games because they do not get the benefit of a larger crowd, according to junior and varsity basketball player Ryan Robinson.
“You don’t feel as energetic,” Robinson said. “You don’t get the spark the crowd gives you.”
However, an enthusiastic crowd can have a beneficial effect on the game.
“When you’re playing, you can definitely notice the crowd,” Robinson said. “I feed off the energy the crowd gives us.”
By the time the spring season arrives, crowd attendance at games is typically limited. Sports such as lacrosse, soccer, and baseball suffer from lower student body interest compared to fall and winter sports.
However, when a larger crowd than normal attends a game, the energy and enthusiasm is unusual for spring athletes.
Unlike the other athletes, the crowd tends not to be a major focus of junior and varsity lacrosse player Erik Sahlgren. In fact, it only becomes a factor for him when it is louder than normal.
“While I play, my mind is more focused on the game,” Sahlgren said. “I hear the coaches and the players, not a whole lot else. When the crowd breaches that, it’s motivational.”
The common theme throughout all three seasons is crowd energy, and the positive effect it has on the players. A larger crowd equates to more spirit, which in turn leads to enthusiasm by players.
Junior and varsity basketball player Ryan Robinson practices free throws during a Nov. 16 practice. Robinson has been a member of the varsity team since his sophomore year and believes the crowd’s energy leads to a better performance. “[The crowd] helps give you an adrenaline boost and that can help you play better,” Robinson said.