'Pack the Pit' Brings Fan Support

Staff Writer

   Students wore green wigs along with green body and face paint during “Pack the Pit” at the University of Arkansas at Monticello’s basketball games against Delta State Feb. 12.

Photo by Danielle Kloap

Rowdy Crowd - (from left to right) Jess Lees and his girlfriend, Kim Vail,  came to see his sister, Cotton Blossom basketball player Addie Lees from Lubbock, Texas, play against Delta State University Thursday night. Jess Lees, Vail and other members of the family decked out in in wigs, face paint, green hair, glitter and rowdy crowd shirts to support their sister. The Student Activities Board gave out the "Pack the Pit" T-shirts.

   Student Government Association President Michael Thomas introduced “Pack the Pit.” He said in the past when he went to both women and men games, he saw a lack of fan support. Thomas got the idea for “Pack the Pit” from reading about Duke University hosting a “Pack the Pit” event. He said he planned to put the idea into motion after becoming SGA president.

   During timeouts, “Pack the Pit” T-shirts were thrown into the stands. During half-time at both the women and men's games, the person who made the most baskets in 30 seconds received a $25 Wal-Mart gift card. SGA handed out eight gift cards at the games.

   Thomas also introduced the “Rowdy Crowd” concept this year.

   “The rowdy crowd is more of an intimidating force. We just want to support our team because they are our team,” Thomas said.

   Students and fans cheered for the teams and showed school spirit by wearing UAM shirts, face paint, wigs and even body paint. Gwaine Mathews, UAM’s head football coach, said he brought along the football team to return the support they received during football season. He said he supports Thomas and likes his energy. When he found out Thomas was involved, he said it put a little pep in his step. Matthews said when he presented the idea to his football players they were very receptive.

   “This is such a big game and it’s Delta State, and we don’t like Delta State,” Mathews said.

   Michael Reynolds II, SGA vice-president, said this crowd was the largest he has seen at a women’s game.

   “Incentives get the fans out here. Hopefully, the excitement of the game will keep fans coming out for more,” Reynolds said.

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