A Sea of Red Carries T-Birds on to Victory

Published: September 04, 2009 | Read Time: 2 minutes

A record 10,028 fans packed Southern Utah University’s Eccles Coliseum last night when the T-Birds faced off against Dixie State for the first time in more than 40 years. And while the outcome certainly was significant, with the Thunderbirds quelling the Red Storm in a 36-7 victory, the most impressive outcome of the revived rivalry was the packed stadium full of Thunderbird fans. 

And as the season opener, one can only hope the team – and its red-clad, cheering fans – can build on the momentum of a very impressive start. 

According to SUU Director of Athletics Ken Beazer, last night’s crowd was exactly what SUU’s athletes and coaches wish they could see at every game. 

He states, “Tonight was truly a college game day atmosphere. The fans were into the game from the moment the gates opened until the very end. The large crowd, particularly the student section, created an electric atmosphere and helped elevate the level of play of the team.” 

And judging by the cheers and chants that continued from the opening kick-off through to the victory celebration, this “game day atmosphere,” was just as electrifying for the fans as it was for the team. 

Beazer asserts, “It was a great showcase for SUU and for the community, and I look forward to the rest of the home schedule.” 

Indeed, last night’s game set a new precedent for SUU athletics – one we hope students, faculty, staff and friends of the University can carry on for the remainder of the football season and throughout the year as SUU’s athletic teams face off against one opponent after another. 

As to home schedules, the 2009-10 school year brings with it more than 90 home matches for SUU’s 17 Division I athletic teams. Thunderbird Nation, consider this your call to action. Don’t retire that red tee and face paint just yet; all our student-athletes need your support. 

In return, you’ll have a year-round excuse to don body paint, scream in public and dance to jock jams, if just for a few hours every weekend.

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