Section success
Even as the football program's increased popularity has increased student attendance at games, its spirited student section has remained nameless.
The Student Government Association's push to name the student section is an apt way to emphasize fan unity and increase school spirit. There couldn't be a better time.
Larger schools, such as Michigan State University, have named their student sections. But section names shouldn't be reserved for the Big Ten - smaller schools, such as Central Michigan University, also could benefit from a similar sign of solidarity.
In an Oct. 27, 2006 article of Central Michigan Life, some students and administrators expressed concern about students' lack of school spirit.
Though the situation has improved, as one would expect after a couple Mid-American Conference Championships for the football team, naming the student section would help further improve morale. For those inside and outside of the section, a name would give the section definitive character.
Diehard football fans also should consider this an opportunity to influence a name that could become a staple within CMU football. The name needs to last; it needs to have meaning.
Students should not pass on the SGA's request for name proposals. The more input, the better the selection.
Dan LeFevour and the Chippewas have pushed the team to national prominence, and it's high time to embolden their strongest supporters: the student section.
There are several instances where just naming a student section brought out more students.
One example is the "Maize Rage," the University of Michigan's basketball section, which single-handedly changed the atmosphere of Crisler Arena after its inception in the early 2000s.
The "Izzone" at Michigan State is another section that holds firm during the winter at the Breslin Center.
Here at CMU, the "Rose Rowdies" make visitors feel unwelcome at Rose Arena during basketball games and the "Wrestling Rowdies" frequent wrestling matches.
As CMU football moves upward, so should the support. And giving a name to the mass of thousands that are able to give the most will only help.
