When it comes to school spirit, Monmouth students definitely know how to show pride online, posting about the Hawks, wearing Monmouth merch, and cheering when our teams win big. But when game day actually rolls around, the bleachers often tell a different story. For a Division I school, attendance at Monmouth’s sporting events can sometimes feel underwhelming. Sure, homecoming and special rivalry games get decent crowds, but regular matchups don’t always draw the same excitement among the student body.
After attending all the home football games this year, I realized that not many students actually go to the games themselves. Many show up for the tailgates beforehand, especially those involved in fraternities, sororities, or other campus organizations, but once kickoff happens, the crowd noticeably thins out. For big events like homecoming, the pregame atmosphere is lively and full of spirit, but that energy doesn’t always carry into the stadium. It’s like the social part of game day overshadows the game itself.
Tailgating has almost become the main event. Students gather with friends, take pictures, play music, and enjoy the social aspect, but when it’s time to actually support the team, many never make it past the parking lot. It’s not that students don’t care about football, it’s that the culture has shifted toward the experience of being there, not necessarily watching what’s happening on the field.
It’s a little ironic, because the tailgates are filled with school spirit. Students are decked out in Monmouth gear, blasting music, but the players who work hard all season don’t get to see that support reflected in the stands. The excitement stops just short of where it matters most. If even half the students who tailgated went inside to watch the game, the stadium atmosphere would completely change. This all ties back to Monmouth’s campus culture, where what people do often depends on what their friends or organizations are doing. If one group decides not to attend the game after tailgating, others usually follow. It creates a ripple effect— when going to the game isn’t seen as the “thing to do,” it becomes even less likely that students will show up. On the flip side, if a group of students made a point to attend and show their support, others would likely follow.
Ultimately, it all stems from the social scene and the influence of what other Monmouth students choose to do.
With basketball season just beginning, I hope to see higher levels of student engagement within the Monmouth community. It’s important not only for the athletes to see their peers cheering them on in the stands, but also for the student body to show school spirit in the school they chose to be part of. Monmouth has a strong athletic department, and it’s only fitting that the students reflect that same strength by showing up and supporting our teams. When we support one another, whether it’s on the court, in the classroom, or at campus events, we help build a stronger, more connected community. That sense of unity is what truly makes Monmouth feel like Monmouth.
At the end of the day, school spirit isn’t just about wearing your Monmouth sweatshirt around campus, it’s about showing up for one another. Attending games isn’t only about watching the scoreboard, it’s about being part of something bigger than yourself. It’s cheering on your classmates, friends, and peers, and showing appreciation for the athletes who represent Monmouth every time they step onto the court or field. With basketball season underway, Monmouth students have a new opportunity to redefine campus culture and what it means to be a Hawk. After all, the heart of a university isn’t just in its academics or organizations, it’s in all of us.
