Thunder Crew strives to improve spirit on campus

Every college basketball fan knows of at least one student section, famous for their insane fervor and ridiculous volume at every home game: The Cameron Crazies, Duke basketball’s version of the sixth man.

Georgia College isn’t Duke, but slowly and surely a student section is building hopes to one day be just as crazy.

A group guys and gals in green shirts tailgates in the Centennial Center parking lot. Call them the Thunder Crew.

Bobbi Otis | gcsunade.com

Thunder Crew President Patrick Gamble cheers on the men’s basketball team Jan. 22 in Georgia College’s home matchup against Montevallo. The Bobcats lost 80-79 in overtime.

“I wanted to help build a brand on the campus that would get students more involved in games,” Gamble said.

And so, he began last year with a meeting, and students signed up to help out year-round. But trouble initially hit the group as students had to drop out, citing various other responsibilities as more pressing.

That’s an often-overlooked aspect of the group; it’s run by students who have all the other responsibilities any student deals with on a consistent basis.

Backlash has come from students who feel as though the Crew doesn’t do much on campus.

Gamble wonders why people attack those students trying to make a difference in game spirit.

“The bottom line is that it comes down to manpower,” Gamble said. “The more students we have involved, the better we can promote events and impact games.”

This year has seen a massive increase in the Thunder Crew’s contributions. There are new 88-foot banners on either side of the basketball courts thanks to the Thunder Crew. The extreme makeover of the student section of bleachers is also the Thunder Crew’s doing. And those signs around campus—plus tons of T-shirts—that readily inform students of upcoming events is also the Thunder Crew’s handiwork.

And recently, KIA Motors donated $5,000 to help provide T-shirts and other items for students to enjoy when they attend future events.

“I want to see the stands packed at baseball and softball games just as much as I hope the women’s and men’s basketball games enjoy student support,” Gamble said.

Some of the donated money will go towards the Thunder Crew’s next big event: “The Battle of the Cats” on Feb.10, when Peach Belt Conference rival Augusta State comes to the Centennial Center.

Two years ago, the Georgia College men’s basketball team upset then No. 7 ASU by three, prompting students to rush the floor in celebration.

Gamble knows the Thunder Crew can improve, saying there are five or six things that have to happen before he’ll be satisfied with its progress. One of those includes more student involvement.

“I think that the biggest thing that is holding the Thunder Crew back from being what it could be is interest,” Gamble said.

He says he hopes fans will consistently check the online web site, read about team’s latest news and know the players like it’s their own team.

And if anyone has an idea or concern regarding anything about the crew, Gamble says he and the staff are very willing to listen for ways to improve.

After all, it is for the students, by students.

Posted by Caleb Rule on Jan 27 2011. Filed under Lead stories, Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.