EOTU: Illini Pride
Ryley Lyons
(ready to use)
Coauthors
EXPLORE
About the ethnographer
Unit Keywords
|
kw:Illini, kw:Pride, kw:Illini Pride, kw:Orange Krush |
Partner Projects
| Ethnography of the University |
INQUIRE
Rationale of the Unit
What subculture have you chosen to research and why? What do you know about this group and what do you want to know? List your intial research questions.
I have chosen to research the Illini Pride. I know that the members of the organization have the chance to attend many of the University's athletic competitions for free. For joining the club, the member recieves an Illini Pride t-shirt along with a membership card which allows the member to recieve discounts at certain stores and resaurants throughout campus. The Illini Pride seems to be a group of students that go to the University's athletic games to cheer the team to victory. In order to know more about the Illini Pride, I have some questions in mind:
How much does it cost to become a member? Where do the membership fees go to? Are there any other perks besides the ones which I already know which come come along with a membership. How many people have joined the Illini Pride this year? When was this organization established and why? Are there any games in which the member has to pay in order to attend? What is the affiliation between the Orange Krush and the Illini Pride? What impact does the Illini Pride have on the team for which they are cheering for and the team they are cheering against? Why do students join the Illini Pride? |
Project diary
Introduction:
Late during the basketball season of 2000-01, the Fighting Illini men's basketball team defeated Michigan State to take first place in the Big Ten Conference. Former coach Bill Self and teammates said that they owed much of their win to their fans. "Our fans deserve a big pat on the back; they were a sixth man," Bill Self said. "I think the crowd was worth double figures." Former Illinois basketball guard Cory Bradford said, "Our crowd made a great difference. Seeing the orange, we fed off it, responded to it and got us going." (Hawley B1). The "orange" which Bradford speaks about is cheering section called the Orange Krush. The student athletic board called the Illini Pride is in charge of the Orange Krush, along with every other cheering sections for Illinois athletics. Just as in Orange Krush, students in all of the cheering sections dress in Illini colors and try to cheer on the team to victory. In order to become a member of the Illini Pride, a university student must pay a membership fee. In return, members recieve t-shirts, free admission to varsity athletic games besides football and men's basketball, and free admission to all of the activities which the Illini Pride organizes throughout the year. The Illini Pride is an important subculture of the university which provides a great opporunity for students to get involved around campus and helps motivate the Illinois athletic teams.
|
Research Plan
Discuss your initial research method. How will you begin to seek out answers to your research questions? Where will you begin taking field notes? Who are you considering as a possible informant?
I plan on researching the Illini Pride website. I will also search for other forms of information such as brochures, pamphlets and flyers about the Illini Pride. To begin taking field notes i would like to attend a sporting event and find where the members of the Illini Pride sit and observe them. My roomate and several other people in my dorm belong to the Illini Pride. I will be asking them questions about the organization. |
Project diary
Readings, Keywords, and Constructs
Discuss what sources, other than your own field notes, that you consult for your project.
I will consult the Illini Pride website: www.illinipride.com. I will also seek out pamphlets, brochures, flyers, and other printed material from the Illini Pride. I would like to research how much fans have an impact on the team psychologically and whether or not they have an impact on the game as a whole. I will be researching books and internet sites for this aspect. I would also like to interview some members of the Illini Pride, ask them questions of how the Illini Pride works, and just what they think about it. |
Project diary
http://www.illinipride.com
The Author is Chris Jewell. He is the website coordinator for the Illini Pride. I believe that the author is knowledgeable and credible. The information that is posted on the website is mostly facts and not bias. The only time in which the website is bias is when the website coordinator says that the Illini Pride is the "biggest and best" student organization on campus. It's evident that it is bias by using the word "best." There is no way to determine which is "best." However because most of the information on the website is factual, i believe the author is credible.
All information on the website is property of the University of Illinois or the Illini Pride.
The domain for the website is .com, meaning commercial. Being a commercial website, I should be hestitant to use this website as a source. However the information provided seems to be true and accurate.
The site was created to inform anyone of the student organization Illini Pride. It is also a place for current illini pride members to see what is happening in the organization and when activities are scheduled. The website also posts important announcements for members, such as when pledges are due for the Orange Krush and when the Illini Pride Barcrawl takes place.
The latest update was Oct 19th, 2003. All of the links work
|
Field Notes
Use this space to discuss what interesting, significant, revealing, and/or strange information you've recorded in your field notes. What are you learning about your chosen subculture? You might also begin to synthesize the information you are getting from your observations and the other sources you consult.
Field Notes
In order to take field notes i observed a volleyball game between Purdue University and thd University of Illinois. I noticed that Illini Pride has its own cheering section called the "Spike Squad." Most of the people sitting in the "Spike Squad" section had t-shirts that said "spike squad" on them. Almost everyone had on their illini colors of orange and blue. It was very evident that the Illini Pride section was the loudest in Huff Hall (where the volleyball game took place). The spike squad would cheer even if the illini volleyball team were down. The section had its own cheers for the volleyball team. If a referee made a questionable call, the spike squad would complain about that call if it were against the illini. The Fighting Illini finally defeated Purdue in 5 games. When the final point was one by the illini, the Spike squad section cheered the loudest they had cheered all night.
Interviews:
Adam Banich, Civil Engineering major, freshman - Why join Illini Pride? "I have a lot of school spirit and I wanted to express myself, you got to support the team." Adam joined the Orange Krush after joining the Illini Pride. "I really like basketball, and since I'm not playing I want to be closest to the action as possible." He also plans to going to other athletic games such as volleyball and tennis. He beleives that the cheering sections in the Illini Pride "plays mind games on the other team, which gives the advantage to our Fighting Illini."
Jorndan Bozarth, freshman, Accounting Major - Why join the Illini Pride? "I've been following Illinois athletics all my life, and the Illini Pride seemed like the right club to join." He too joined the orange Krush after joining the Illini Pride. "I love the excitement of the atmosphere, being on the floor, and meeting some players on the team." He would definitly suggest it to other students of the University: "It's a good way to get involved in the University, and it's the only way to join the Orange Krush." "I plan on going to some tennis games because they won the championship last year and i'm tired of watching the football team lose."
Laura Lock, freshman, Biological Sciences major - she "wanted to get involved at this wonderful university." "I was a cheerleader in high school and I wanted to cheer on the Illini from the sidelines." She also plans on attending some of the other activites that the Illini Pride sponsers such as the barcrawls and barndances. "It shows good school spirit."
Angela Hancock, freshman, Biological Sciences major - "I wanted to get involved. I feel like i have a close relationship with the teams, and not just another face in the crowd." She also joined the Illini pride to become a member of the Orange Krush. "I went to Illinois basketball games growing up and wanted to get close and personal with the games."
Marissa Mccumber, freshman, Secounday Education major - "I joined the Illini Pride becasue it gives studnets an oportunity to become more involved with the tradition of the Illinois athletics. For a resaonable free of $25 you get a T-shirt and free admission to athletic events besides men's basketball and football. The Illini Pride also provides the opportunity to meet some of the athletes and coahces and other members of the organization."
|
Project diary
Findings
Discuss your findings.
From www.illinipride.com:
The current memebership for the Illini Pride for this year is 1884. The Illini Pride supports 19 varsity sports of the University and "provides a for you to cheer on your Fighting Illini, get involved on campus and meet new people." Some of these 19 cheering sections are: Orange Krush for men's basketball, "Blue Crew" for women's basketball, "Spike Squad" for volleyball, "Fanatics" for soccer, "Net Nuts" for tennis, and "Grounds Crew" for baseball. It costs $25 to become a member of the organization and in return you recieve an Illini Pride T-shirt and a membership card which offers discounts to participating stores. The card also allows you to get in for free to all of the varsity athletic contests except the mens basketball and football games. The membership fees are put towards activities which the Illini Pride members take part in throughout the year. The organization was founded in 1977 with 300 members. Since then, the Illini Pride has become the largest student organization on campus. Former President of the Illini Pride Mark Aschermann and Josh Grafton came up with the idea of the student athletic board and started the Illini Pride.
In order to become a member of the Orange Krush you must begin by collecting pledges. Donors make pledges based on the number of 3-pointers the Illini make throughout season. This money then is given to the Orange Krush Foundation, which has collected over $700,000 in the last five years.
Daily Illini "Not just a bunch of cheerleaders. Illini Pride another part of the team" by Erin Quinn Sept. 3rd, 1999:
The Illini Pride holds a kickoff meeting in Foelinger Auditorium every year for people to sign up and meet some of the varsity athletic teams. Highlights of the previous season are shown on a screen. Various coaches and athletes speak to both the new and returning illini Pride members about how much their support is appreciated. "Not only does the Illini Pride help students make friends, but it also gives them a feeling that they are on a team." Sophomore (at that time) Allison Merriman said, "I almost feel part of a team - a branch of the team that helps with motivation." Head women's basketball coach said at the 1999 kickoff meeting, "Illini Pride - you are not just a bunch of cheerleaders. You are really doing great things."
Daily Illini "It's all a matter of Pride" by Jim Kelley, Oct 4th, 2000:
In five years (from 1995-2000) the illini pride membership doubled from 500 to 1000 members. Illini Pride not only supports the athletic teams, but it also organizes cheering sections. The most popular cheering section is Orange Krush, which cheers on the Illini at the men's basketball games. The Illini Pride also coordinates social activities such as barbecues and bar crawls. Members of Illini Pride pay a $25 membership fee. Although the organization is funded by the Student Organization Resource Fee, with such a large group, those funds get stretched thin. Students who join and pay the fee receive a T-shirt, admission to all athletic events except football and men's basketball and become eligible to join Orange Krush.
Daily Illini "Illinois takes first in Big Ten" by Larry Hawley, Feb 7th, 2001. B1:
The Orange Krush made there presence known when the Fighting Illini took first place in the Big Ten with a win against Michigan State during the 2000-01 season. "Our fans deserve a big pat on the back; they were a sixth man," former Illinois men's basketball coach Bill Self said. "I think the crowd was worth double figures." Former Illinois basketball guard Cory Bradford said, "Our crowd made a great difference," Bradford said. "Seeing the orange, we fed off it, responded to it and got us going."
Daily Illini "Fans help Illini Volleyball to win" by Ian Gold September 8th, 2003
The Illini Pride worked hard to create an atmosphere to help the Illini Volleyball team to victory over the DePaul Blue Demons and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons "The crowd was amazing," senior middle blocker Lisa Argabright said. "Seeing all the fans at the game was motivation, and looking into the crowd and seeing all the orange was a great way to start the season." Illinois head coach Don Hardin said, "The crowd was so into it that in the first game we can thank them for our first points." The Illini Pride section (Spike Squad) chanted "Jack-Hammer, Jack-hammer," every point Lisa Argabright accounted for. "(The cheer) started last year, and I like it," Argabright said. "I think it's fun. It adds to the crowd's presence. I love our student section to begin with, I love how involved they get involved."
Daily Illini "Illini Pride paints campus town" by Amelia Bowen October 14th, 1998:
Illini Pride and other groups do their best to arouse Homecoming spirit in Campustown. Illini Pride decorates stores each year "just to get businesses involved, to get spirit around campus," said Nicole Bleuer, homecoming chair (of 1998) of Illini Pride.
Daily Illini "Illini Pride" by Stacey Majers August 16th, 1997
The official cheering section for football, basketball and many other sporting events, Illini Pride offers students a chance to become more involved with their teams' success. In addition to games, members of Illini Pride also help the campus fully appreciate the excitement of Homecoming. By decorating windows on Green Street, chalking the Quad with spirit-filled messages and building a Homecoming float, Illini Pride strives to build up the fun and excitement leading up to the big game. There is a small membership fee, and in return the member receives an Illini Pride t-shirt, a membership card and other benefits of being a member. Some of these other benefits include personal interaction with the teams, a chance to decorate the locker rooms, and possibly even roadtrips to away games. Jeff Ellish, Visiting Market Specialist for the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, said the Illini Pride makes a big difference at the games, "It gives Illinois a real home-court advantage." Illini Pride also emphasize that football and basketball are not the only sports on campus. There are cheering sections for baseball, women's basketball and volleyball. Freshmen are highly encouraged to join, giving them an opportunity to meet new people and explore the excitement of University of Illinois athletics.
Daily Illini "One last Krush" by Tom Ward Feburary 25, 2002
Orange Krush members are willing to do anything to help the Illinois men's basketball win. An example of their passion for the team, at a game against Wisconsin, the Orange Krush repeatedly counted down the Badgers' shot clock aloud — but cut their time three seconds short. This alone caused at least four Badgers to shoot the ball earlier than they planned to during Illinois' 80-48 win over the Badgers. Other students take the next step and dress up according to various themes. Kurt Brown a freshman at that time wore a special outfit every home game. For the Penn State game, he showed up wearing a chef hat, and his costume's corresponding apron read "Welcome to Cook's kitchen. On today's menu: Penn State." This was to support former Illinois men's basketball player Brian Cook.
Handbook of Research on Sport Psychology pages 600-623
Part of the definition of sportfanship is that fans be "more than mere spectators." Fans must think of themselves as members of a group to which their fanship belong. When fans speak of themselves by the term "us", they reveal that they have formed an alliance together. "Spectator reactions seem to play an important role in sport events and may be a significant part of the home advantage." The cheering in anticipation of a good performance and a reaction to accomplishments can be a strong motivating factor. Also, negative comments (such as booing) to visiting teams and referrees may intimidate these groups and provide a further advantage for the home team.
Illini Pride Handbook 2003-04
Illini Pride is the student athletic board of the University of Illinois. The President of the Illini Pride says in his greeting: "From football to gymnastics - barn dances to bar crawls- face paint to foam fingers; we've got it all." Illini Pride supports all 19 varsity athletic sports and is a "great way to cheer on your favorite Fighting Illini teams, meet new people and spread enthusiasm across campus." The membership card gives you discounts at several campus businesses: Pizza Magia, Discount Den, Campus Florist, Gameday Sports, Follet's Bookstore, and Custom Cuts. It also alows a member to attend all varsity athletic contests, except men's basketball and football for free. Some of the activites planned by the Illini Pride throughout the year include: Men's Basketball Midnight Madness, a week Homecoming activies, barn dance, football roadtrip to Iowa, a fall and spring barcrawl, meet and greet sessions with coaches, bowling night, sand volleyball tournament, tour of Memorial Stadium, basketball roadtrip, and free merchandise. Members of the Illini Pride recieve weekly updates of upcoming events through email. Also he or she can stop by the Illini Pride cubicle in room 280 of the Illini Union or visit the website www.illinipride.com.
The most popular cheering section is the Orange Krush, which is the cheering section for the men's basketball team. In 1998, Orange Krush created the Orange Krush Foundation. It is a student run foundation with an intent on improving the quality of life for the youth and young adults of the Champaign-Urbana and campus communities by providing financial support and contributing community service to area non-profit organizations. Last year the foundation raised over $250,000 which was distributed 50% to the Orange Krush Rod Cardinal Memorial Scholarship, and 50% to local charities and special projects. The five year total of donations is over $700,000. In order to become a member of the Orange Krush he or she must collect pledges for donation. Donors make pledges based on the number of 3-pointers the Fighting Illini make throughout the season. The Illini Pride also encourages its members to get directly involved with the community by volunteering; for example for the Special Olymbics, Urbana Park District, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and many other organizations.
According to my research i believe that the Illini Pride is a great organization for students of the university to get involved around campus, meet new people, all they while enjoying Illinois games. The fee is cheap compared to what you recieve for becoming a member. The members of this organization have a lot of school spirit and like to show it. They like to cheer on the fighting illini to victory. The Illini Pride is a good subculture that gives back to the university by decorating for homecoming and showing school spirit throughtout campus. It is the largest student organization on campus with 1884 members. It was established in 1977 and has grown ever since then. According to my interviews, i belive people join the illini pride because they like athletics, they have school spirit, and want to go to the games. The Illini Pride gives a lot back to the community financially and through community service. |
Project diary
Refer to other EOTU work
Project diary
Project diary
Project diary
If you want to add your comments on this Unit, please login first.
|
