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“We got spirit yes we do, we got spirit how ‘bout you?” Dana cheerleaders may yell out this common cheer, but does anyone respond? What about school traditions? Is there something that every athletic team has in common or something the crowd can chant? Unlike the famous University of Nebraska football team’s tunnel walk, Dana lacks strong traditions according to instructor Dave Hoppe. To help solve this problem Hoppe, a psychology professor, started an athletic leadership council.

The athletic leadership council consists of two athletes from each sport, with the exception of football, which has four representatives. Hoppe said the purpose of the athletic leadership council is to provide another leadership opportunity for athletes. Within the council there are three subgroups. The subgroups are event enhancement, champions of character and health education. Julie Pinkelman, a junior basketball player, is the president of the council and there are six vice-presidents, two for each subgroup.

The goal of the event enhancement group is to make Dana athletic events better. They want to build school spirit, form traditions and unite Dana athletic teams together under common ground. Head women’s basketball coach Brenda Mechels played basketball for Dana from 1992 to 1996.

She has not seen any traditions carry on throughout her years at Dana. She doesn’t even know the school’s fight song. I believe that pretty much goes for everyone on campus.

There are many reasons why traditions are important to a college. One reason to have traditions is because it is a way to connect the various athletic teams. Since Dana doesn’t have any traditions there isn’t a way for athletic teams to unite together said Hoppe.

Among the athletic teams there isn’t even a common mascot. Of course, all of the teams are Vikings, but each team usually has its own logo. The football team uses a Viking head similar to the Minnesota Vikings football team’s mascot, and the wrestling team is using a DC logo. This is one of the first tasks that the event enhancement group wants to achieve. Jamie Jones, sophomore track, along with Jon Person, sophomore basketball, are the vice-presidents of the event enhancement subgroup. Jones said, “We are trying to establish a school wide mascot and symbol that can be placed in all locker rooms around campus.” They are also in the process of fundraising for a Viking mascot uniform. Other projects that they hope will help build traditions and school spirit include having a pep band, learning the fight song and encouraging students to start traditions and carry them throughout their careers at Dana.

The champion of character subgroup’s goal is to recognize student athletes who have shown outstanding character or service. Dana is currently a member of the NAIA’s Champion of Character program. A few years ago Dana weekly recognized an athlete of the week and a champion of character of the week. The athletic council is trying to revive the weekly recognition to encourage student athletes to promote character development.

The third subgroup of the athletic council is health education. Dana will become a member of the Bacchus Gamma organization. Bacchus Gamma network states that, “it is a university and community based network focusing on comprehensive health and safety initiative.” It is the mission of the organization to promote healthy and safe lifestyle decisions concerning alcohol abuse, tobacco use, illegal drug use, unhealthy sexual practices and other high risk behaviors of students and young adults on college campuses.

Overall the athletic leadership council wants to create a united student body. If you have any ideas on how to enhance athletic event please contact Jamie Jones via campus mail box 357. Otherwise show pride and school spirit by supporting all the athletic teams and starting your own traditions.