By NATALIE SACKET
Feature Editor
There’s a rumbling heard throughout Alva as The Herd stomps its way across the Northwestern campus. It’s not a herd of cattle or buffalo; The Herd is a student group created with the intention of promoting school spirit and participation at NWOSU home sporting events.
Members of The Herd will attend all home athletic events and sit together as a group to cheer on the Rangers and Lady Rangers. According to The Herd’s organization constitution, “The goal of The Herd is to enhance the sporting experience for the students and student-athletes alike by making sporting events the focus of the group. We would like to increase attendance at all sporting events in order to add excitement to games.”
Membership is available to all students of NWOSU, provided the student pays a membership fee of $10. Payment of this fee will admit the member an Adidas Climate Lite shirt designed specifically for the group. Members will also be given a chance to win prizes in drawings exclusively for The Herd members at all home sporting events. During the fall, The Herd will be given a pass to tailgate the fourth tier at football games. Student members who have attended the most sporting events by the end of the year will receive grand prizes.
All NWOSU students are encouraged to join The Herd. To do so, sign up with Becca Cook in the Health and Sports Science Education building. The Herd does not have regular meetings, but members will remain in contact and be informed of upcoming events through Twitter @TheRangerHerd and through Facebook of The Ranger Herd page.
Jacob Carter is a student participant in The Ranger Herd and one of its founding members. He encourages students to join in saying, “With the New Era of Ranger Athletics this season, it is the perfect time to join The Herd and commit to attending sporting events with your friends. The Herd is 100% backed by The Ranger Athletic Department. Studies have shown that athletic arenas with strong fan bases are more intimidating and difficult to play in for opponents. We would like to create a great environment for our teams to play in. The Herd will provide a great atmosphere for students to socialize together and support NWOSU.”