Rensselaer students came out in exceptional force this year, through their show of school spirit at the 25th anniversary of Freakout on Saturday.
This year’s hockey game against bitter rival Clarkson University also marked the climax of the 100th anniversary of RPI hockey. The packed Houston Field House was more rocking and energetic than it has been in years for the the traditional Freakout hockey game.
With Clarkson up three goals to none before RPI mounted its comeback late in the third period, it would have been easy for some fans to leave the game early and call it a night, but almost no one did.
When the tying goal was scored with only 58 seconds to go, the place was louder and more enthusiastic than it had been at the start of the game. Indeed, the pep band’s shout of “Goal!” immediately after “One minute, and Clarkson still sucks” was drowned out by the roaring crowd. It was even louder when RPI tallied the game winner, sending the fans into hysterics and the team victoriously into the locker room, thrilled that they had kept alive Rensselaer’s current unbeaten streak in Freakout games (8-0-4).
However, Freakout is only one game on a 34-game hockey schedule. Attendance at the other hockey games has steadily declined over the past few seasons. The number of tickets sold is often below 3,000 in an arena that seats 5,117. Attendance at some other sporting events and Union-supported activities has also decreased significantly.
Despite what some may suggest, school spirit is just not an annual tradition. It is a continuing year-long effort. I urge you all to come out for the final weekend of this hockey season on March 1-2 and to take part in senior night on the second. (If RPI wins enough games to have the home-field in the first round of the playoffs, come out for those too.)
Also, don’t be afraid to show your school spirit every day. There are always events on campus that let you show your pride for Rensselaer. If you are an undergraduate, the Institute is your home for four years of your life (for most of you anyway). Don’t arbitrarily overlook the opportunities that our school offers to you.
