2008 Woodie Awards
You say you're a fan?
Cougar fans show their spirit at each game
Kyle Wiese
Issue date: 8/17/07 Section: Sports
Whenever new students and those unfamiliar enter the Vadalabene Center to watch the Cougars play another game, don't be alarmed when you see crazy people with their bodies painted waving towels around.
That's just the Red Storm doing whatever they can to ensure another Cougar victory.
With the arrival of another school year, excitement for the upcoming athletic years is building.
For groups like the Red Storm and the Eastsiderz, getting others interested is part of the fun too.
"We are trying to increase interest by making people come to games. The extra things get students interested," Jermel Binion, Red Storm and Eastsiderz member and senior Sociology major, said.
According to Binion, the Red Storm and Eastsiderz like to tailgate before almost every soccer and basketball game. Students are also treated to free barbecue
"We also will have different theme nights throughout the year," Binion said.
When it comes to game time, proper attire and etiquette is always required.
"We use body paint and like to throw and twirl t-shirts during the games," Binion said.
With SIUE beginning the process to move to Division I athletics, students expect even bigger and better things to come.
"With the media coverage, we know that attendance will be raised a lot. If we get into a neighboring conference and play big name schools, a lot of people will come out and see the games," Binion said.
As for the games that will kick off the school year, the Eastsiderz are chomping at the bit to help the athletic year get off on the right foot.
"We are counting down the days to the first kickoff of the soccer season, and we will definitely have free food and barbecue for that game," Binion said.
The Red Storm and the Eastsiderz are essentially the same groups; the Red Storm is the cheering section for the basketball season and the Eastsiderz is the cheering section for the soccer season.
"We work with the teams to get support and let everyone know we are serious about what we do," Binion said.
The fan groups realize that what they do is appreciated by teams and helps to inspire them on to victory.
"A lot of players actually love what we do. Some of the players even show interest by coming over to join us after they are done playing," Binion said.
All of the fun does not necessarily need to be limited to those that are already in the Red Storm and the Eastsiderz cheering sections.
"To get involved, you just have to make yourself seen. You have to stand out and be proud to cheer on your teams, and we will find you." Binion said. "Don't be afraid to think it's silly, we don't."
After all, the goal of the Red Storm, the Eastsiderz, and all of the other fans of SIUE Cougar athletics remains the same according to Binion
"We just make sure we support the Cougars and SIUE."
That's just the Red Storm doing whatever they can to ensure another Cougar victory.
With the arrival of another school year, excitement for the upcoming athletic years is building.
For groups like the Red Storm and the Eastsiderz, getting others interested is part of the fun too.
"We are trying to increase interest by making people come to games. The extra things get students interested," Jermel Binion, Red Storm and Eastsiderz member and senior Sociology major, said.
According to Binion, the Red Storm and Eastsiderz like to tailgate before almost every soccer and basketball game. Students are also treated to free barbecue
"We also will have different theme nights throughout the year," Binion said.
When it comes to game time, proper attire and etiquette is always required.
"We use body paint and like to throw and twirl t-shirts during the games," Binion said.
With SIUE beginning the process to move to Division I athletics, students expect even bigger and better things to come.
"With the media coverage, we know that attendance will be raised a lot. If we get into a neighboring conference and play big name schools, a lot of people will come out and see the games," Binion said.
As for the games that will kick off the school year, the Eastsiderz are chomping at the bit to help the athletic year get off on the right foot.
"We are counting down the days to the first kickoff of the soccer season, and we will definitely have free food and barbecue for that game," Binion said.
The Red Storm and the Eastsiderz are essentially the same groups; the Red Storm is the cheering section for the basketball season and the Eastsiderz is the cheering section for the soccer season.
"We work with the teams to get support and let everyone know we are serious about what we do," Binion said.
The fan groups realize that what they do is appreciated by teams and helps to inspire them on to victory.
"A lot of players actually love what we do. Some of the players even show interest by coming over to join us after they are done playing," Binion said.
All of the fun does not necessarily need to be limited to those that are already in the Red Storm and the Eastsiderz cheering sections.
"To get involved, you just have to make yourself seen. You have to stand out and be proud to cheer on your teams, and we will find you." Binion said. "Don't be afraid to think it's silly, we don't."
After all, the goal of the Red Storm, the Eastsiderz, and all of the other fans of SIUE Cougar athletics remains the same according to Binion
"We just make sure we support the Cougars and SIUE."
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