The Samford Athletics student section has gone through multiple changes over the years. With highs and lows in performance and interests in sports changing, the students have involved themselves in various ways in collegiate sports, whether in the stands or helping in a technical capacity. But this year, a renewed interest has come to Samford sports and its fandom, as the Bulldogs are developing one of the most fearsome fan sections in the country.
In recent years, sports nationwide have had to change and develop due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though people got to watch games from the comfort of their homes, there was a feeling of something missing, not being in a stadium filled with like-minded fans who wanted to cheer on their favorite teams. Thankfully, society has begun to restore itself to normal. Among many of the changes to normality, the fans have re-entered their various stadiums and arenas where they root for their home team.
Samford is no different, and the fan presence in the 2022-23 calendar year has made all the difference. Samford Football had a record-breaking year, going 11-2 overall and reaching the FCS Playoffs. Samford Men’s Basketball currently tops the SoCon and is poised for a run to March Madness. The common denominator between these teams is their home records: the teams are a combined 19-2 at home. Teams across the SoCon are dreading the trip down to Birmingham, and that is thanks to a revitalized student presence across all sports.
The director of marketing and fan engagement, Katie Archer, explained the impact of students during games and how student attendance changed for the better.
“Starting with football season, we saw tremendous growth of our student section as our team began to move up in FCS rankings. Then, as basketball season rolled around, the excitement continued to grow!” Archer said. “Student attendance was the highest it has ever been for a home opener when men’s basketball faced off with Anderson University to begin their season.”
Bucky McMillan, the men’s basketball head coach, has been vital to driving the students’ enthusiasm since he arrived at Samford in April 2020. During the past two strong seasons, Coach Bucky has constantly been talking with students, organizing events, and trying to create energy for a program that languished before his arrival.
“There is not a more together unit in the country than that of the Bulldog basketball team and the Samford student section,” McMillian said. The energy felt for those 40 minutes on gameday is a big reason for the undefeated home conference record.”
Even though the facility and management has done a great job working with the Red Sea, the students are bringing the energy. Sophomore Ethan Smiga has enjoyed attending the games this year and believes that games bring a sense of fellowship to the Samford community.
“Seeing the student body unite makes me feel like I choose the right school,” Smiga said.
Samford’s student section has shown out in full force, but there is work left to do with plenty of home games in baseball, softball, and the rest of Samford’s sports on the horizon. Check out the schedule right here in the Crimson to see how you can support your Bulldogs next.
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