Like the dubious origin of the chicken and the egg, it is unknown which came first: a lack of student enthusiasm for Columbia sports teams or these teams’ failures due to a shortage of student support. Students were quoted as saying that “there isn’t much enthusiasm around Columbia about sports teams”. Columbia student Mackenzie Lowen claimed: “A couple people come out to the games but I guess football isn’t the biggest concern at Columbia.”

An obstacle in getting students to come out to the games is that Baker Field is almost half an hour away from campus. Ms. Lowen thinks this “probably has an effect on the amount of people that attend the games, just because you have to go all the way up either on the subway or the shuttle buses.” Columbia sophomore Michael Strickland agrees that “It’s kind of a pain. That’s probably one of the main reasons I haven’t been to a football game.” Katie Meili, another student, argues that “It would be a lot nicer if [the field] was right on campus, but…yea, the subway ride adds an extra experience to our football games.” Fellow schoolmate Ernesto Hernandez, however, makes a point when stating: “I really don’t know where the stadium is, so another reason I haven’t been to any of the football games.”

The Columbia Athletics Department has tried to increase attendance through various means, including the now-defunct “Midnight Mania.” Their latest attempt is the Lion’s Den Students Rewards Program, giving students that attend a variety of sporting events the opportunity to win prizes, a promotion that is sure to gain some attention.

“I have heard of the Lion’s Den Student Rewards Program, but I have no idea what it does or what it entails,” says Mr. Hernandez.

Ms. Lowen has heard of the program thanks to the “people wearing shirts” that promote the Lion’s Den program.

Mr. Strickland, on the other hand, has not been informed about these prizes: “I can’t say that I have heard of the Lion’s Den Rewards Program.”

Still, with the prospects of a new season hope is renewed. Hope that the Columbia football team will surpass all expectations. And who knows, maybe with a little enthusiasm the Columbia community can help lead the team to the top.

At the post-game press conference, Coach Norries Wilson responded to a question about the crowd, saying “I didn’t see or hear any situations where noise was an issue for either side of the football.” A reporter reclaimed that the crowd in the “back of the stands” gets “kind of nasty,” to which Coach Wilson could only respond: “Well, when you pay for a ticket you’re a fan. You’re allowed to say what it is that you want to say.” These remarks should remind the community that, as fickle as school spirit can be, it is nevertheless important to support one’s fellow sports teams, for the sake of the university.