If you were on campus last weekend, you probably saw the wave of maroon and gold t-shirts that spread through the student body. At the front desk of every residence hall t-shirts were available for free to students as a part of a school spirit campaign because of Loyola’s newest student organization the Maroon Platoon.
Co-founded by Ashley Woolledge, mass communication senior, and Carl Harrison, mass communication freshman, the Maroon Platoon was created to boost school spirit on campus.
“Maroon Platoon is a means to get students involved at completely no charge for them to be able to go to sports events, go to athletic events, third Fridays with UPB, plays, basically anything on campus they can go to have fun,” she said.
With help from Michael Giorlando, athletics and wellness director, Sarah Cooper SGA president and Dominique Webb intercollegiate athletics and wellness intern (who plays the role of public relations coordinator), the creation of Maroon Platoon was under way.
Shortly after the school year began, Woolledge created a Facebook group for the Maroon Platoon to which, she says, generated a great response.
“We started a Facebook group and only had 23 members and I thought to myself, ‘this isn’t good’. But within two days, we had well over 100 something members. The list we have are primarily freshmen but I started spreading the word and upperclassmen are joining every day,” she said.
“We have 75 people signed up on the list and about 125 Facebook members so in only two weeks we have about 200 members and the number continues to increase. ”
The Maroon Platoon not only targets sporting events, but other student organizations as well. Woolledge hopes to work with the other student leaders to boost attendance at student programs around campus.
“We don’t limit ourselves to only sports events, we are doing things with other organizations on campus and any extra-curricular activities going on,” she said. “E-mails are sent out and each member decides what they want to participate in. It’s something for everyone, you can go to fun things, sports events, anything, it’s totally up to the individual. Loyola has spirit in all areas and that’s what is great about it.”
According to Jonuel Hernandez, finance sophomore, the Maroon Platoon is a great way to increase participation in a multitude of extra curricular activities and organizations on Loyola’s campus. “The group not only increases attendance at sports games, it encourages students to attend events other organizations host on campus that people may not be aware of.”`
The first major on campus event the Maroon Platoon advertised was the first home game for Loyola’s volleyball team. The stands were filled completely with students, faculty and parents wearing their maroon shirts.
“It was great to see so many members show up for the game wearing their Maroon Platoon shirts in support of the volleyball team,” Hernandez said.
“It just shows that students have so much pride in their school and want to see their team win.”
Carlyn Worthy can be reached at [email protected]