Grand Canyon University's White Out Basketball Game | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

Grand Canyon's White Out Showcases GCU's Superior Game Day Atmosphere

It's safe to say that the GCU Lopes bring the thunder to each and every game day.

130
Grand Canyon's White Out Showcases GCU's Superior Game Day Atmosphere
@lilyjmoe

The Grand Canyon University Havocs are at it again, continuing to affirm that they are, in fact, the biggest party in college basketball. At Saturday's game against conference rival New Mexico State, Lopes of all ages filled the GCU Arena to show off their purple pride. Leading the herd was the Grand Canyon Havocs, the VIP student section that jumps, screams, and heckles to the very best of their ability...for the entirety of the game. These dedicated students had been waiting all year for this game, and after losing to the Aggies in Las Cruces earlier last month, the Lopes were hungry for revenge.

Havocs President Steve Hunsaker rallied the troops at the tailgate before the game, "I know we bring it every game, but this game we are really going to BRING IT." No further explanation was needed — the Lopes knew exactly what bringing it entailed. They were ready.

All 4,479 in attendance received a free, "white out" t-shirt, assuring the crowd was all on the same page. The handful of crimson Aggies fans stuck out like a sore thumb, quickly ignored (and unheard) during traditional Canyon pre-game events such as the purple pregame party, the GCU fight song, and a plethora of other choreographed dances and cheers. The Arena was thundering, packed to the brim as fans stood in the top tier of the building. Everyone in attendance was ready for Lopes basketball. As this tweeter observed...

Tip-off brought every fan to their feet, pointing and shouting at the top of their lungs. As Keonta Vernon started the Lopes off with an easy bucket, the fans stayed rowdy.

The game continued in general GCU fashion. The Thundering Herd Pep Band was rockin' and rollin', the dancers, cheerleaders, and Havoc leaders kept the crowd in sync, and fans cheered "Ha-Ho-Hwa-Hwee-Ha-Ho-Ho-Ho! " (an ode to everyone's favorite clownfish) during Aggies' free throws. No one sat down. No one stopped yelling. No one was willing to give New Mexico even the smallest of breaks.

To some, this may seem extreme, but to the Lopes, this is just business as usual.

WAC Commissioner, Jeff Hurd, was in attendance, no doubt having chosen the right game to view. At one point in the evening, each team found themselves with a 10-point lead. Yet it was the Lopes that pulled ahead, going on a 19-0 streak to save the game; key players were DeWayne Russell, Darion Clark, and Joshua Braun. The final score was 83-71, Lopes.

Statistically speaking, this game was a doozy. Toting the number-two most attended game in GCU Arena history, a win over the Aggies, and witty cheers that included cardboard cutouts of Betty White (get it?), this was a big game for both the players and the fans. But more importantly, this shows where GCU basketball is headed. This gives the world a glimpse of what goes down on a Game Day in Lope Land.

Basketball at Grand Canyon is a lifestyle. Especially for large games such as this one and the matchup against Louisville in early December, the Lopes like to make a splash. Between the Havocs' spirit, the community's support, and one heck of a basketball team led by Thunder Dan Majerle, GCU basketball is going to keep gaining national attention. As the Lopes continue to paint the Phoenix Valley purple, one thing is very clear — it's Canyon time.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

178788
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

5980
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

451648
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

22810
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments