Why #LopesRising Was Trending On Twitter
Start writing a post
Sports

Why #LopesRising Was Trending On Twitter

Putting Grand Canyon on the map, one tweet at a time.

55
Why #LopesRising Was Trending On Twitter
arizonasports.com

On December 3, 2016, Louisville entered the Grand Canyon University Arena only to find themselves smack dab in the middle of a game day unlike anything they'd ever seen before. The Canyon basketball family really came through, breaking the Arena's attendance record with 7,493 people -- seven seats short of a sellout game. As all games do, a purple pregame party took place, the lights were dimmed, and what USA Today referred to as a "rave-like atmosphere" came to life. The GCU Havocs were in the house.

And they were lighting up Twitter at the same time.

As Louisville fans curiously tuned in for a less-than-bigtime game according to their standards, they soon found themselves fairly agitated -- how the heck was this "online, for-profit, Christian college" even coming close to their gold standard Cardinals?

Actually it's "Christian university" but we'll let it slide. #AreYouHappy

Soon the Twittersphere, a place of battles amongst sports fans, came to life, and #LopesRising started climbing the trending ladder.

There were many tweets that night, but the irony of the entire trend was the fact that Louisville was doing the grunt work. It wasn't GCU fans who were tweeting as fast as they could -- it was the Cardinals fans. They had taken note of the game that started out as a favor between coaches, and were quickly tuning in. These fans not only sum up game highlights, but they provide a general good vibe amongst the Lopes...you know you've made it when your opponent cares enough to talk about you.

The Havocs

Thanks for the love Jessica! Stop by Lope Country anytime! #DidWeJustBecomeBestFriends

We would love to connect with your students -- we put on a mean clinic! #HavocsHereToHelp

You make our hearts warm Kasey! MD sounds chilly, are you interested in a dry heat? #MDtoAZ

We've been called many things, and impressive is one of the favs. #TheRIGHTCompliment

Seriously, high praise from the opposing fanbase is a treasure that any program holds near and dear. To grab the attention of Louisville's fans -- and the rest of the country as a result -- is a high honor for the Lopes.

Dewayne Russell


Unreal? We agree, and couldn't be more proud of our main man. #MVP

We're tipping our hats, and are glad to have you on board! #WowIsRight

A pleasant surprise? Maybe not for the Cards, but we're sure giddy! #ThanksDewayne

Louisville fans quickly realized that they had some competition, specifically in the form of 5'11 guard Dewayne Russell. Russell's outstanding performance earned him a career high of 42 points for the evening, as well as high praise from even the most loyal Louisville fans. Oh, and Damian Lillard (guard for the Portland Trailblazers), said hi too.

Soooo you'll be stopping by soon? #xoxo

Canyon Humor

We prefer wonder of the world, but to each their own. #WePutTheGrandInGrandCanyon

We aren't cruel Greg! They get the weekends off. #Yeehaw


No really, the laughter isn't forced at all. #YouSpelledLionWrong

You only got a text? Our letters generally come with confetti and a marching band -- are you sure you're in? #RedFlag

Happy to provide your first "paint the Valley purple" experience Sean! #JobWellDone

Any good fan knows that when the other team starts smack talking your school, you've done something to deserve it. In the case of the Lopes, they gave a team that many predicted would wipe the floor with them a run for their money. In return, Louisville fans threw some humor their way...you think Canyon students haven't been making Lope jokes since 1949? Thanks for the laughs Louisville!


#LopesRising gave the Grand Canyon basketball family the attention they so rightly deserved. From a crowd that prides itself in being the best in the Valley to a guard that astounded every single basketball lover in the country, GCU brought their A game and made the Lopes proud.

I think you're right! #TwitterRising

Twitter added to the game in a way that Lopes all around the country will remember fondly. The hashtag trends may change, but #LopesRising is forever.

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

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71262
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133382
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments