The Patriot

Issue date: 2/25/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Tony Gloster Members of Kappa Alpha Order Fraternity cheer on the women's basketball team.

As the women's basketball team continues to be successful in the Peach Belt Conference, students are finding more creative ways to show their support.

Members of Kappa Alpha Order Fraternity and Kappa Delta Sorority have taken their school spirit to new heights with body paint and organized chants.

The organizations have become the unofficial cheering section for the Lady Patriots, as the group stands and cheers the entire game. They also aren't shy about letting the visiting team know how they feel.

When an opposing player fouls the home team, the group has been known to yell "You can't do that!" from their designated section.

Though their goal is to have fun and provide support, members of the group say they try to remain respectful of opposing players and referees.

Kappa Alpha member Matt Raye said he began attending more games because he thought the team deserved more support from students.

"I got tired of sitting around the house," Raye said. "I wanted to take pride in the athletic team."

The organizations also plan to begin showing support for other Patriot teams in the future.

The new addition has been welcomed by women's basketball Coach Heather Macy.

"We appreciate all the support, (and) it's good for FMU and the community," Macy said. "We are trying to get everyone involved."

Senior forward Rita Grayson said support from the fans has provided the Patriots with additional motivation throughout each home game.

"We really appreciate it," Grayson said. "When it's actual students, it helps us play harder."

Kappa Alpha has made it mandatory that members attend the games, but Kappa Delta has not. Kappa Delta member Rachel Miller, who serves as spirit chair for the organization, said the sorority tries to ensure that members participate in various events on campus.

She said attending games is important because it gives the group a chance to show support for the school.

"We cheer on people that represent us everyday," Miller said.

Although the group includes mainly members of Kappa Delta and Kappa Alpha, Raye said the organizations encourage all students to come out and show their support for the Patriots.

"It's not just a Greek thing - it's a school thing," Raye said.

With Homecoming around the corner, students will have an opportunity to show their school pride when both basketball teams play Clayton State University on March 1.

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