McKendree Basketball Lives Up to the Hoopla
Take a walk through McKendree’s idyllic campus on any given day, and you’re bound to run into students, faculty, and staff walking calmly with a smile on their faces. You may hear hushed conversations, quick call-outs to friends across the Quad, or a friendly, “How are you?” as they make their way to and from class. But when it’s game day, the purple is out, the Bearcats get loud, and the fans are ready to show off their school spirit. Those same students who earlier filled the halls of PAC, Carnegie, Voigt, and the Hett with quiet murmurs are now on their feet in MPCC, jumping, cheering, and high-fiving each other every time McKendree scores.
Come out for any basketball game on campus, and you’re in for a treat. The smell of popcorn permeates the air and greets you as soon as you walk in. Staff and students immediately welcome and guide you as the sounds of dribbling and squeaking shoes echo throughout the building. Enter the gym from either the north or south doorway, and you’ll find students cheering on their friends, faculty and staff supporting their students, family members watching their child with pride, and members of the Lebanon community enjoying the game.
Climb the stairs and settle on the bleachers as the afternoon sun beams gently through the pennants hanging over the window. The men’s and women’s teams both command attention attention from the crowd, and rightfully so; they’re swift and strategic on the offense and are fierce defenders. Each pass often leaves you waiting with bated breath, wondering when the ball will find its way into the basket as the Bearcats charge down the court. A hush settles over the crowd during every free throw. Whether the teams shoot for two, score a sweet three-pointer, or slam-dunk the ball into the net, a cacophony of wild cheers thunders throughout the gym as the cheerleaders shake their shimmery royal purple and black pompoms.
It’s easy to see why most people choose to watch the game instead of their smartphones.
Stick around for halftime to watch the McKendree Spirit Band and the Color Guard shine. Pep band songs including David Bowie’s “Under Pressure” and AC/DC’s “Back in Black” rumble through the building as the bass rattles the stands and the floorboards beneath your feet. Cheerleaders and the dance team take to the floor to dazzle the crowd with their performances. President Dobbins, who makes his rounds to greet guests, students, and other community members, looks on and applauds as the band finishes each song. Keep an eye out to the west just beyond the gym, and you’ll notice the Carl Draper room – known for its famous McKendree hospitality – filling up with special guests, who enjoy delicious hot wings, cookies, cold refreshments, and each other’s company.
Going to a basketball game – or any game – at McKendree is always a win. It’s getting caught up in the moment as you and your classmates roar when the Bearcats score. It’s slinging your arm over your best friend’s shoulder, smiles wide, as you share a bag of popcorn. It’s singing and clapping along with the fight song as the band belts out the beat. It’s the spirit of McKendree on full display. All we need is you!
