by Kirk Kaszynski
Saturday was an evening for celebrating victory. The UH basketball team showed its superb talent once more with the 79-69 win over Baylor. It was fantastic! This team continually makes our school known to the public, and it turns quite a few heads of disbelief by its progress.
During the game, however, I noticed most of the seats were vacant. It was my first time to attend a UH basketball game, but it's not the first time I've recognized a problem in student participation. We all should openly support our team, but many of us don't attend games or know when they are played. So far, the team has succeeded without fan support.
It's not that the majority of the campus dislikes the basketball team; it is merely a lack of school pride in most students' hearts.
School spirit is not only participation in sporting events, but also the joining of active groups on campus. "Where can I get involved?" This question is heard many times among incoming freshmen like myself as we eagerly seek an organization to link with the university.
If one seeks a social atmosphere, he or she can join a fraternity or sorority. If volunteer work fits your interests, then try the Metropolitan Volunteer Program. The Students' Association offers a beneficial opportunity to center yourself around UH. For many others, the Religion Center is a vital place to congregate and worship with others of the same beliefs.
I don't have time to mention every club, but hopefully this will provide most students with options to participate in school pride. If you are in an organization on campus, urge your fellow club members to participate to increase school spirit.
Some readers may say, "Hey, I try to attend school functions, but I have so many activities to juggle, it's difficult to have time for school loyalty." I completely understand -- UH is predominantly a commuter campus, and many students only come here to attend classes. But I encourage everyone to support UH when time permits.
Although I have a great desire for increased school pride, I am not forcing my ideas upon you. If you don't feel the need to display support, that's your freedom. However, I can only foresee the benefits of a close-knit bond that will soon develop if we, as one body, stand behind our school. I have a vision for this university with the aspect of improving school spirit, but I need everyone's assistance to push toward the goal. We can eliminate the "Cougar High" name Texas A&M calls UH, and we can work to build our own traditions and loyalty to the University of Houston.
UH is ranked third in the Southwest Conference behind Texas Tech and the University of Texas, but with increased school support, we can proceed toward second place with the game this Saturday against UT.
Coogs, here's your chance to see some quality entertainment for just $2 for a student ticket. Come out and support your team and show your UH pride. You won't regret it!
Kaszynski is a freshman biology major.