Fans create unique atmosphere: Impresses players, opponents

As Herd fans continue to create a glowing energy in the Cam Henderson Center, the men's basketball team enjoys what has become a pregame ritual.

After a student shared his "glow out" idea during last year's basketball season, Marshall University fans have since created an atmosphere the Thundering Herd's three senior players said is unlike any other.

"It makes the place more unique," said Shaquille Johnson, guard from Jacksonville, Fla.  "I think we might be the only place that does it, and it's just something that's cool to see before we play."

Damier Pitts, guard from Charlotte, N.C., said glow sticks are something he hasn't seen anywhere else he has played.

"Other teams will turn the lights off and do an introduction," Pitts said, "but I'd say we've got one of the more exciting pregame rituals in the NCAA — that's what I think anyway."

Since the "glow out" idea was first initiated, fans have faithfully stood during the introduction of the players at the beginning of each home game to wave kelly green glow sticks in the air and welcome the team.

Dago Pena, forward from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic said, the atmosphere in the arena continues to improve.

"When we have over 5,000 fans, all with glow sticks here for the games it gets us pumped and makes us play better," Pena said.

The glow sticks are accompanied by the "Fan Plan," which includes different cheers the crowd is encouraged to participate in.

Belmont University senior guard, Drew Hanlen, who played at Marshall on Dec. 19 said the glow sticks were unique, but the fans are what were most special about Marshall.

"Obviously the team had a lot of cool pregame rituals — the glow sticks and a pretty cool video screen presentation. " Hanlen said. "But I thought, ultimately, the fans were a big driving force in the opening play that actually led Marshall to have a big lead on us in the first portion of the game."

Pitts said the pregame has improved dramatically since he began playing for Marshall.

"The fans have brought a lot more energy to the gym," Pitts said. "Before it was just kind of plain, there wasn't really a lot of excitement before the game,  but now it gets the crowd excited, and in return it gets us going."

 Johnson said the crowd's enthusiasm gives the team an edge.

"To come out and see that and start out the game, it's a cool thing," Johnson said. "It kind of gives us someone to go out and play for, to give back to the faithful fans."

Hanlen said he agrees about the importance of the atmosphere within an arena.

"We've lost one game in the last two years at home so we obviously feel really comfortable playing at home in front of our fans," Hanlen said. "We feed off of the atmosphere they create."

Hanlen said a lot of coaches are superstitious when it comes to pregame rituals so the Bruins continue to keep their lights on during introductions.

 "But I thought you guys had a special pregame ritual," Hanlen said. "It definitely stood out, and we were actually talking after the game about how we thought it was pretty cool that you all brought in the glow sticks and a couple of the other things you guys did that were kind of unique and different than a lot of the arenas we play in."

Pitts said he hopes, after this year, they continue with the pregame activities because it gives the team a lot of momentum.

"It's like another advantage to the game so I think the glow sticks are great," Pitts said.

Hanlen, who has played many different teams in multiple conferences said Marshall's pregame is one that is special.

"We travel around and play opponents from multiple different teams including major teams like Duke," Hanlen said. "I thought that the rituals you guys had, added a special touch that made Marshall stand out over some of the other schools we play at."

After being here since the first "glow out," Pena said Marshall fans mean everything to the team.

"We probably have the best fans in Conference USA by far," Pena said. "It's so easy to win here. If I wasn't on the team, I would hate to come play at Marshall, definitely."

The Thundering Herd takes the court 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Cam Henderson Center. As usual, glow sticks will be provided.

Crystal Myers can be contacted at myers132@marshall.edu.