Going to a smaller school has its drawbacks at times; you know just about everyone in your major, parties on the weekends tend to get busted more easily, and you know just about everyone at said party from either your classes or your dorm building. While the whole small school thing can be annoying at times, it has its upsides as well, one of which is just beginning; basketball season. Some may argue that bigger schools have this advantage over us just like everything else, but I beg to differ. During a game, the energy in Hagan Arena is unlike anywhere else. I would even bet that this “small” school’s energy and spirit is bigger than some of the United States’ largest university’s. Here are the 5 best and most unique moments of a Saint Joe’s basketball game.
1. The Student Section
Where else do you think you could ever find kids who dress up as "blind refs" for every game, or kids who are willing to scream "you let the whole team down" at an opposing player? Our student section has been named one of the "Top 100 Things You Gotta Do Before you Graduate" by Spots Illustrated, and if you've been in it you know why. The energy is crazy from the singing of the National Anthem to "When The Hawks Go Flying In" and every chant in between.
2. Roll-Outs
While roll-outs happen at college basketball games all across the country, none of them are quite like SJU's. Some are more sentimental, and some are just the opposite. How many schools can say they had people sneak into the student section of their rival, and trick them into rolling out a The Hawk Will Never Die sign? Sorry, not sorry, Villanova.
3. The Size of the Arena
Some might think of this as a negative but what Hagan lacks in size, it makes up for by the spirit and energy filling up the building. A smaller arena means the fans sound that much louder, and even "bad" seats aren't that bad.
4. The Hawk
The Hawk is one of the most iconic mascots in college athletics and if you have ever been to a game you understand why. You think the basketball players have it hard? You try flapping your arms for that long.
5. Chanting "The Hawk Will Never Die"
There is something special about this chant during the last 10 seconds of every game, whether the Hawks won or lost. The spirit of the Saint Joe's student body is captured and is unlike that of any other school.
For a little school, we've got a lot of spirit. Be sure to come out to some men's and women's games this season to see what it's all about.
