Fans light up the Cam Henderson

The "Fan Plan" is in full effect as Marshall University men's basketball fans continue to light up the Cam Henderson Center during home games.

Senior Derek Casteel first posted a "glow out" plan for Marshall home games, which included glow sticks, last year on Herdnation.com.

Casteel, with help from Mark Campbell, Big Green Scholarship Foundation board of trustees member and co-founder of herdnation.com, and the Marshall Maniacs have turned the glow stick phenomenon into a staple at every home game.

"The atmosphere at the home games has changed significantly," Casteel said. "It gets everyone involved before the game. Players, coaches and fans, everyone is a big part of this — especially the Marshall Maniacs."

The use of glow sticks has gained a lot of positive attention. Home game attendance this season demonstrates more students and fans are coming out to participate in pregame ceremonies.

"Thirteen hundred student tickets were handed out last game" said Aaron Goebbel, Marshall associate athletic director for external affairs. "Attendance for students is up this year, and we believe the glow sticks may have something to do with that."

The "Fan Plan" is more than just glow sticks, however. There are also specific colors fans are asked to wear to certain games, as well as different chants and cheers that Campbell, the Big Green Scholarship Foundation and the Marshall Maniacs have suggested for the fans to participate in throughout the game.

"One thing I would love for Herd Nation to do is a better job of in participating in the color out games," Campbell said. "It seems like a simple little thing but sitting in an area seeing every fan wearing all white or kelly green creates a feeling of camaraderie and excitement. That excitement translates in to a higher level of crowd participation and exuberance, which further feeds in to the cycle of fan enjoyment.  Fans are being asked to wear all white for the upcoming ECU game.  I genuinely hope everyone gets on board and blows the socks off the Pirates."

Marshall head coach Tom Herrion said he has noticed the increased amount of energy the fans have been bringing to the area.

"The turnout of our fans has been very impressive thus far," Herrion said. "The crowd is a huge factor in getting these guys ready to play."

 The Marshall Maniacs have used social media websites, such as Twitter and Facebook to help spread the word.

"Glow sticks are available for every home game but students and fans are encouraged to bring their own," said Amanda Branch, Marshall Maniacs President.

Marshall Maniacs can be followed at www.twitter.com/MarshallManiacs.

Lawren Hightower can be contacted at hightower5@marshall.edu.