Students packed Bender Arena for the annual Phil Bender event, which coincides with the AU Men's Basketball game against Holy Cross.
Each resident hall joined in by making banners in honor of the game. Letts Hall won the competition with a banner that illustrated a crucifix with "Crusade This" directed at Holy Cross.
Students waved "Beat Holy Cross" towels and wore AU basketball shirts at the event, which was sponsored by the Residence Hall Association, and some wore red and blue wigs or beads to help show their school spirit.
"The towels were great. It added to the excitement of the game," said freshman Charlie Bisscotto.
In 2002 and 2003 AU lost to Holy Cross in the Patriot League championship game. If the Eagles had won yesterday, they would have tied for first place in the PL.
"People really came out. They knew how important the game was for AU," said
freshman Brandon Moody. "I was happy to see everyone come out to the game."
The Student Confederation helped to promote the event by sending e-mails to students informing them about the game.
"Since the beginning of the semester students have been coming out to the basketball games," said SC President Polson Kanneth.
Other members of student government also look to support athletics.
"The Student Confederation is actually looking into creating a spirit director," said Joseph Vidulich, a freshman in the School of Public Affairs and member of the General Assembly.
Some students remarked on the number of students and faculty who turned out for the event.
"I think the turnout is good but should also be for every sport," said Nick Johnson, a junior in the School of Public Affairs.
Even alumni came out and supported the Eagles.
"School spirit has definitely gotten a lot better since I've graduated," said Alex Slowatek, a graduate of the Class of 2000.
The Eagles lost in overtime to Holy Cross, 76-67. The team is now in a three-way tie with Bucknell and Lehigh for second place in the Patriot League.
Bender Arena is now entering its 16th year as the home for the Eagles. Bender Arena was founded by Howard and Sondra Bender and can hold 4,500 fans.
