‘Maroon Platoon’ official name of student section

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Central Michigan football fans will have a new identity when they come to Kelly/Shorts Stadium’s student section.

“It’s the Maroon Platoon,” said Mike Dabbs, the assistant director of marketing, promotions, and community relations of Central Michigan University athletics.

The choice of student section names was put to a vote open to all students and alumni on Central Michigan Life’s Web site, among other locations.

“We did one on Survey Monkey with CM Life. We (also) did a tab vote and we did a survey at cmuchippewas.com,” Dabbs said.

Other options included “Chip Crew” and “Pleasantville.”

The athletic department also polled students at MAINStage and Get Acquainted Day. Voting officially ended Friday.

“(Maroon Platoon) was overwhelmingly the choice. It was unanimous,” Dabbs said. “They did a student naming way back when with the Dew Crew with Mountain Dew.”

However, the initiative never fully resonated with students, he said.

“This is the first solidified effort to name the student section,” he said.

The reaction

Ashley Billcheck, a Dearborn junior, said she likes the new name.

“I think it sounds good. It brings our school colors and hopefully our school spirit will be shown by that,” Billcheck said.

Staff members also seemed happy with the results of the vote.

“Maroon Platoon (is) funny. I think it’s the most catchy,” said Angie Dalton, Residence Life Coordinator for Fitness Facilities and Wellness. “Platoon symbolizes group unity. I think it gives them a theme. Something that students can identify with.”

For the Athletics Department, it was the perfect occasion to offer a name to its contingent of loyal fans.
“It’s a great time for this because of the success of the football program and high attendance,” Dabbs said.

Several students are already planning on joining the Platoon.

“I’m excited for (the football games),” said Stephanie Snyder, a Shepherd freshman. “I want to go to the Michigan State one (Sept. 12).”

The idea for naming the student section was talked about with the Student Government Association last year, but was never decided on.

“I think it’s great. We finally have an identity for our student section,” Dabbs said.