Spartan spirit was alive and well Monday night in the Wonders Hall Kiva as about 150 to 200 fans came to the "Spartan Spirit 2004 Pep Rally" hosted by members of the Wonders Hall Student Government and Wonders resident mentors.
MSU basketball fans showed their support for the men's and women's basketball teams on their way to tournament seasons. Members from both teams were in attendance to sign autographs and take pictures.
The Wonders Hall Government said it wanted to host an event that was pertinent to members of the MSU community.
"Being so close to the sports teams who live in South Complex, the players feel very accessible to students here, and there is a large fan base in our area," said Jacob Slusser, hall government treasurer and mentor.
In addition to meeting the players, fans dined on pizza, cookies and Gatorade, while $800 in prizes was raffled off. T-shirts, water bottles, basketball media guides, PlayStation 2 games and a basketball signed by the men's team were some of the prizes awarded to the raffle winners.
The items that weren't purchased by the Wonders Hall Government were donated by Student Book Store, 421 E. Grand River Ave., and Ned's Book Store, 135 E. Grand River Ave.
Students in attendance said they came to the event to show their support for both teams.
"I am a huge MSU basketball fan," mechanical engineering sophomore Kimberly Nankee said. "Last week, my friends and I drove 500 miles to the Penn State game. Tonight was important to show the team that we're behind them. When we make it to the tournament, I'm gonna be there."
While fans came out to support the teams, team members said they came to the event to thank their fans. Eight men's basketball players attended, including junior guard Chris Hill and sophomore guard Maurice Ager. All of the members of the women's basketball team, including head coach Joanne P. McCallie, showed up for the event.
MSU sophomore guard Lindsay Bowen said it was important for the team to come to the event and meet its fans.
"It's cool to be here to interact with our fans," she said. "Attendance has grown throughout this season, and the fans are a big part of our success each season."
During the raffle, a "Craziest Fan Contest" was held. For the competition, two fans in two coed teams dressed each other in Spartans gear while the "Michigan State Fight Song" and "Shadows," MSU's alma mater, played. The team of two that did the best job decorating each other in the time the songs were played was dubbed "Mr. and Ms. Spartan."
Tim Long, who was crowned "Mr. Spartan," echoed the sentiments of many who attended and said he deserved the title.
"I do believe I am the craziest Spartan fan," the bioengineering senior said. "I came out tonight to support the team in their upcoming tournament run.
"I'd do anything for our team."
