Women's Hoops Bring Spirit

Centenary University’s Lady Cyclones basketball team faced off against the Neumann Knights on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at Reeves Gymnasium in a thrilling Spirit Game. The students and parents packed the gym, cheering on the Lady Cyclones as they competed on their home court. The final score was 67-62 with Neumann University as the winning team. Even so, the Lady Cyclones played a great game. 

Over the years, Centenary has worked hard to increase student and faculty engagement in athletics, and this event was certainly a highlight of the year. The Student Activities organization played a key role in boosting school spirit by offering free Starbucks wristbands and selling classic game-day snacks like hot dogs and popcorn. 

The enthusiastic turnout demonstrated the strong community support for Centenary athletics, making the Spirit Game a memorable experience for players and fans alike. I got a chance to interview several spectators on campus who shared their thoughts about the game and the overall event. 

In addition to these events, the food giveaways were introduced to support those in need, to keep the crowd engaged, and enhance the game day experience for both students and parents. 

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Kenneth Pinedo, assistant director of Student Activities, provided thoughts on the event and the game.

Hey, Kenneth, at the women's spirit basketball game, the Lady Cyclones played a really good game. So I genuinely want to know, what did you think of the game and how did the girls play?

For being the first Spirit game of the year, I think it went pretty well. We had a pretty good turnout. We had the Student Activities group, organizing the halftime contest as well. They were out there selling hot dogs and pretzels to the students and guests attending the game. And the halftime winners actually got the opportunity to win a gift card too, as well. 

How did you think that Halftime show turned out? 

It was pretty good. I feel like it engaged everyone. It was two players or two random fans going at it. I think it started with a layup and a free throw and, then, a three pointer. Whoever could see who could make it quicker, and it didn't take too long and it just kept everyone entertained. 

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As I was looking for more students to get their impressions on the game, I got a chance to interview Nicole Kilbane, a sophomore psychology major and recent transfer student. She frequents a lot of the events around campus. 

Hi Nicole, what did you think of the women's basketball spirit night game and how did you think the girls played?

I think the girls did really great. It's really interesting seeing them play. It really makes me want to play because I did basketball my senior year, and looking at them now, I'm like, oh, my gosh. I would do that.

Now what did you think of the halftime show?

I'm gonna be honest. I did not like that. I wish we either had cheerleaders or, like, some sort of dance routine, because I feel like a lot of people would really be into that. A lot of people kind of just left and were going to the food giveaway stand. I'm gonna be honest. I didn't know where the donations were going to and the foods and all that. I thought it was cool. And for the free Starbucks bracelet, I wanted one. I just didn't realize they had it. They did not promote it that well. Also, I think you had to pay to get a bracelet. I'm not sure, but I just didn't get it, unfortunately. But overall, in my experience, I really love watching the girls. The girls are great, and I'm happy that I went.

So you mentioned that you didn't really like the halftime show. If you could set up your own halftime show, what would you do?

I know we have a dance team, so I would have the girls do it. Some sort of dance routine. That way it gets everyone riled up.  Or if they didn't want to do it, I think I would want a cheerleader squad or have more activities, like maybe more shootouts or something. Or even just have a dance routine. I know we do have a dance team, but I feel like I know we have the girls dancing. I'm going to be honest; I don't really see them a lot, and I kind of wish they did more stuff. So that's one of my things that I would do for a halftime show.

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I got a chance to interview a graduate department representative, Christopher Encarnacion, who was also a former student at Centenary. While he was there he was recording at the basketball game. He also does Videography as a hobby and he’s looking forward to pursuing a career in that.  

Hey Chris, what do you think of the women's basketball spirit game plus Hawaiian night and how did the girls play that night?

Well, I think the theme was really fun, really nice, and was able to get students involved, get faculty involved. That's always a great thing when we have these themes bringing us together. What I can say about the game is we did lose, but we showed a lot of spirit and a lot of heart. And I show a lot of love and respect to the women on the team because they never gave up. The lead was at 10. We were able to close it out. It was a game where I felt like a lot of the people were together. You know, it was fun. It was a fun game to watch. And we did lose, but it's not about the win or lose. It's about the drive that those ladies had, in the game, and I respect them for that.

So what did you think of the food giveaways? As you know, we gave out Starbucks wristbands, hot dogs, and pretzels, and we had a halftime show.

I think it was great. Student Activities should continue to bring students a part of the game, continue to do those little gifts, because it does mean a lot. It does create a lot of more traction for people wanting to come to the games already. If you didn't want to come to the game already, you might want to come now because there are prizes. There's a halftime show. It can be just like the Super Bowl. Some people don't even watch the game. They just came for the halftime show. Getting that presence and getting those people in there. I think that's most important. I think it's a great thing that we have that for our students, because a lot of schools don't do that.