At California Baptist University, the thrill of game day went beyond the number of points scored and games won. It extended to hearing the cheers of the crowd, seeing blue and gold in the stands and recognizing familiar faces showing support.
While every student is considered a Crazie, CBU’s Crazie Crew is designed for just that, being the familiar faces who show up decked out in CBU colors to cheer on our D1 sports.
Belle Hatchel, sophomore exercise science and Christian studies double major, has been a member of the Crazie Crew for one year and continues to show up for CBU athletics whenever she can.
“For me personally, I was a dancer growing up and so, I kind of know what it’s like to be the one that’s not supported in your sport,” Hatchel said. “So for me, I really like just making sure all the sports feel an equal amount of support for them and that we’re all on their side.”
Whether it is a simple phrase of encouragement or the sound of applause, it is not just noise. Instead, it is fuel for the players to perform at their best.
Summer Allen, graduate business administration student, has played for CBU women’s soccer since her freshman year and felt this support from the stands firsthand. Allen said she first felt it from her parents, who aimed to support her at every home game.
“They’re really proud of me and they also just love watching, so they’ll invite all their friends … but it’s just cute to have that support and the more support you have, it helps you play so much [better] in terms of confidence and just knowing that people are there cheering you on,” Allen said. “It truly does make a world of a difference.”
When there is a lack of energy from the crowd, Allen said the shift was felt by the team.
“Our most recent game, we played Weber State [University] and to be honest, it was dead. It was a dead game,” Allen said. “There was honestly no one there in the stands. Of course, we had the worst performance of the season.”
Allen recalled the most recent Crosstown Showdown against the University of California, Riverside, and how the Crazies showed up for the game.
“For example, [against] UCR … there was so much more energy in the stands, and it truly helps so much. Sometimes, we might not bring our energy but then the crowd is there and they’re kind of ‘rah-rah’ cheering us on and it snaps you back in,” Allen said. “We, unfortunately, did not have that at our most recent home game and man, you can tell the difference.”
Knowing the role fans play in a competitive environment, Hatchel reflected on her opportunity to contribute to how student athletes performed and encouraged students to show up for CBU athletics.
“It makes me happy that I’m able to do this and be able to show them the love and the support and everything,” Hatchel said. “We really do want people to come out to games to have fun with us. When they come out, it means a lot to us and it also means a lot to the athletes when other CBU students … are coming out.”
