Freshman Amanda Brown plans to change the game when it comes to supporting Harding sports. Within the first few weeks of her time at Harding, Brown took the lead in creating an Instagram page to spread excitement for Harding sports events. Brown announces themes for the student section at football games on the @HUBisonBoom page, which has been recognized by Harding\u2019s digital media director, students and football players.
\nBrown got the idea to increase student attendance and spirit at football games when she went to the Code Black Pep Rally Sept. 12. At the pep rally, senior Lew Knapp was having a dance-off with a freshman football player when Brown stepped in.
\n\u201cSuddenly she came out of nowhere and killed it,\u201d Knapp said. \u201cHer and I then proceeded to dance like no other.\u201d
\nAfter Brown showed her spirit at the pep rally, players on the Lady Bisons basketball team approached her and said her spirit was needed in the stands. Brown wanted to show her support this semester, and knowing there needed to be greater student involvement at football games, she decided to take her talent straight to the stadium.
\nSenior defensive lineman Dylan Hampton said players notice excitement from the stands.
\n\u201cUsually when [the students] are all together, we can hear it,\u201d Hampton said.
\nWhen Brown went to football games at the beginning of the semester, she noticed a lack of student attendance and spirit. Brown said she used to be involved in sports, so she knows the importance of cheering for classmates. For her, building the Bison Boom student section became an important project.
\n\u201cWhen I came to Harding, I wanted to make my mark,\u201d Brown said. \u201cI thought this would be a great way, and just getting to know people. And I love athletes \u2014 I used to be an athlete; I was in sports. I understand being cheerful and being proud and cheering on your classmates. So I just wanted to bring that here.\u201d
\nThe Bison Boom Instagram has gained more than 250 followers since it was created Sept. 17. Brown posts game times, theme nights and giveaways on the page. The account caught the attention of Hannah Owens, Harding\u2019s director of digital media.
\nWhen Owens learned about Brown\u2019s Instagram account and student section leadership, she scheduled a meeting with her. When they met, Owens saw that Brown had the skill set, talent and fresh perspective required to engage student involvement.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s organic,\u201d Owens said. \u201cIt\u2019s just more natural when other students are promoting something or rallying around something. That\u2019s what makes it cool, or that\u2019s what makes it good to jump on \u2014 more so than the University saying, \u2018Hey, this is cool.\u2019\u201d
\nBrown said she plans to continue to promote student sections at other sporting events in semesters to come. Follow @HUBisonBoom for updates. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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