The men’s and women’s basketball teams traveled to Russellville, Ark. on Feb. 26 to play against Arkansas Tech University. However, the basketball players were not the only ones traveling to Arkansas Tech. The Rhodes Rowdies hit the road right behind the team.
Julia Copeland, senior class representative, along with seven other Student Association representatives wanted to provide a way for students to travel for free to support the Bison basketball teams.
“I think it’s a good idea to allow students to take buses to games, because it instills a certain level of school pride and support for our teams,” Copeland said. “It also gives students a chance to reach outside their comfort zones and connect with people they may not have known before.”
Organizations are able to rent Harding busses for $35, which does not include the price of gas. Dr. Greg Harris, assistant professor, and J.D. Yingling, associate professor of kinesiology, drove the 45 students who signed up for the trip. Rhodes Rowdies did not have to pay for the commute.
Senior Rhodes Rowdy Ben Hansen said he always looks forward to cheering on the Bison basketball team.
“It’s really cool to be able to cheer for guys that you can look out and know that these are people, guy’s and girl’s teams, both people I respect a lot,” Hansen said. “Not just for what they do on the court, but also because they’ve had an impact on my life. So it’s just really cool to be able to share that as a student body.”
Hansen said he had never visited Arkansas Tech and said he was excited to experience cheering at Harding’s biggest rival. Hansen said the other Rhodes Rowdies enjoy encouraging the Bisons and the players equally appreciate their encouragement.
Sophomore Will Francis, guard for the men’s team, said he greatly appreciates the Rhodes Rowdies.
“There is no other place in the country like the Rhodes Fieldhouse and the Rhodes Rowdies,” Francis said. “Other teams in our conference love coming to play here because the atmosphere is unlike anything they have played in all year. It is very encouraging to see so many people come and watch our team play.”
Francis said the most rewarding aspect of playing collegiate basketball is watching all the hard work they have put in since August come to fruition. Though the men’s and women’s teams lost to Arkansas Tech, the Rhodes Rowdies are still proud fans and look forward to journeying with them through the rest of the season.
