Spirits High as Rams Win

Spirits High as Rams Win

Rambo, the CIU mascot makes his entrance. (Photo by CIU student photographer Emily Regan)

By Melissa McCutchan

CIU Student Writer

The residence halls at Columbia International University were buzzing with excitement on Sept. 4.  Students eagerly painted their faces, donned their CIU T-shirts, and headed to the soccer field.  Soon, the Rams would play their first home game of the season against the Toccoa Falls Eagles.

This was no ordinary game - it was “Battle of the Halls,” a spirit competition among the residence halls, which was sponsored by the athletics department.  The hall judged to have the most spirit would win a trip to Outback Steakhouse with athletics director Kim Abbott. 

“[Battle of the Halls] helps support the soccer team, and it builds community within the halls, which I love,” Abbott said.  “People have painted their faces, they’re loud, they’re excited.”

Students prepared their halls’ decorations days in advance.  Some made T-shirts and banners, one of which featured the words “Insert Spirited Phrase Here,” while others painted their faces and wore bright blue wigs.  One hall even purchased a live ram from an online provider, and brought him to the game on a leash. Since the residence halls do not provide ideal housing for a farm animal, “Ramsey” will be given to a good home.

Spirits were high as the Rams began play against the Eagles.  The crowd went wild as the Rams scored their first goal within the first five minutes of play.

By halftime, the Rams were winning 3-0, and the athletics department was ready to announce the winners of the “Battle of the Halls.”  While there were many strong candidates, Walker Middle took home the prize for their creative T-shirts, energetic cheers, and fun decorations.

“We stayed up late working on our shirts, and worked on them again after classes today,” Walker Middle resident and freshman Addie Allen said.  “It was so much fun.”

Students were on their feet the whole game, cheering wildly as the Rams made goal after goal.  The game ended in a 4-0 victory over the Eagles.

Perhaps just as exciting as the victory, was the community that was strengthened as the halls came together to display their spirit.

“I love the passion that erupted from the crowd as they cheered with their halls to bring our team to victory,” graduate student Zac Seymour said.

See photos from The Battle of the Halls on CIU's Flickr page:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/ciuimpact/sets/72157647520203992/.