News-Letter

Media Credit: Shiv Gandhi [Click to enlarge]

Yes, the rumors are true -- the 2006-2007 lacrosse campaign is upon us. So get out all your colorful face paints, jovial Blue Jay jingles, and "Nest" t-shirts -- because it is time to get rowdy, people. With the snow quickly melting and the artificial grass on Homewood Field looking as green as ever, many of us are in dire need of some reminders on how to be rambunctious and ready for another historic season of clashing sticks, hard-hitting players, and flying rubber balls. Here now are a few tips on how to root properly for your beloved birds:

Get up, stand up, stay up

From the opening face-off to the last tick of the clock, everyone should be on their feet rather than plopped on their butt. Lacrosse is not a sport to be taken sitting down. Considering that the game is played at a rapid rate and there are usually many lead changes, there is no excuse for anyone to pretend like they're watching a tennis match at Wimbledon. The beauty of viewing lax is that it easily gets your blood pumping. Who doesn't get excited over a brutal blow at midfield or a quick strike from the corner post? Those without a pulse, that's who!

Make your residence at "The Nest"

Granted it's not made out of pointy sticks, torn clothes and other pieces carried from the beaks of a thousand-flock of blue jays, "The Nest" is still the nickname for the comfy, cozy confines of the student section. Only the most crazed and maniacal of fanatics enter this place they call home. Of course, students are strongly encouraged to come up with creative ways to support the highflying Jays and insult their soon-to-be-loser opponents. (N.B.: All of the rosters for the opposing teams are available on the Internet and should be printed out.) Bring a banner. Hoist a sign. Maybe even start some crowd surfing. It's all good.

Be loud and proud

Make your voice heard! There's a lot to boast about if you're a Hopkins lacrosse fan, seeing as the men's team has already won 43 championships and looks primed to make a run deep into the playoffs this year. In case you didn't know, a stadium isn't like the library you're stuck in all the time. You can actually hoot, holler and go berserk without being kicked out like that one time when you acted like a banshee after you spilled coffee on your thermonuclear physics homework and got ousted from D-Level. Boy was that bad.

Have a Drink or Two c9 or Three

Once it hits your lips c9 you know what I'm talking about. Booze, baby! Get your hands on some delicious brews and chug-a-lug. Beer before the game has many purposes: 1 -- it keeps your warm; 2 -- it gets you hyped; and 3 -- it allows you take a nap under the bleachers during half-time. Contrary to popular belief, there are no negatives to consuming alcohol. So sip away, but please do so with moderation. Friends don't let friends puke on other friends at lacrosse games.

Sing along

Roll along with the tunes and revel in the glory of point scoring as the pep band minstrels fiddle their flutes and oscillate on their oboes. Sure, the cheers might sound a little cheesy at first, but it's then that you'll remember how much you like cheese. Find the beat of the drums, tap those toes and get on with your funky self. Plus, the songs are pretty easy c9 unless you forgot how to count.

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