The fans decked out in white
The stands inside Johnson Hall were just as white as the ground outside
There was a blizzard in Johnson Hall on Thursday night, but didn’t hear about it in the weather forecast. The third annual Whiteout happened this past Thursday when the Kirkwood men’s and women’s basketball teams bested their rival DMACC in Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) showdowns.
Organized by Kirkwood Community College’s Student Life department, the event was designed to give Eagles fans an opportunity to show their support in a different way. Fans were encouraged to wear white in a show of unity for their team. Kirkwood Student Life Coordinator Seth Vander Tuig says the event has multiple benefits.
“Our first Whiteout was in 2011 versus DMACC as a way to promote the games against a big rival,” said Vander Tuig. “It gave the students a chance to plan an event tied in with athletics, provided something fun for the Athletics department, and more than anything, brought more students to Johnson Hall on game night.”
In addition to being something the students can get excited about, the aim of the Whiteout is to create an energy that the Eagles can feed off of. During the 2012 Whiteout, there was so much excitement in the stands that the student shirts printed for the event were gone in 20 minutes. Vander Tuig hopes that energy translates into victories for the basketball teams.
“These nights are a lot of fun,” said Vander Tuig. “Last year we had a few hundred students in attendance. I think the student section really adds that “sixth man” feeling and makes Johnson Hall a tough place to play. Last year both the men and the women ended up victorious.”
It looks as if a trend is developing. On Thursday, the Kirkwood women took the court first and beat DMACC 60-53. The men’s team followed with a victory as well with a score of 74-60 over their rivals.
Both men’s and women’s teams travel to Mason City to take on North Iowa Area Community College this Wednesday. Tipoff for the women is scheduled for 5:30 followed by the men.