Men’s Basketball is the center of the Marquette Universe. We’re equally known for our talented players and our devoted fans. Being a MU fanatic is a way of life. Before you head down to the Bradley Center for your first game, check out our tips! This is HCMU’s guide for the freshman fanatics.
For starters, every fanatic must learn our school songs. Knowing the lyrics to our two songs connects you to every other member of Marquette Nation. We sing them at any and all events, so learn these songs ASAP! You’ll use these songs at sporting events, Raynor Raves (if they ever come back) and even the occasional post-grad Marquette Wedding. There is never an unacceptable time to Ring Out Ahoya.
Now for the basketball games themselves. After you’ve waited in line for a few hours to get seats close to the court in the fanatics’ section, make sure you keep your ticket. We’‘ll explain why, but we’re not there yet. When the announcer introduces the opposing team, fanatics turn their backs to the court and say “sucks” after each player’s name is announced. (Marquette fans are generally politely antagonistic. Don’t worry, rarely are we any more rude than this.)
You’ll need the aforementioned paper from your ticket to create confetti. This confetti is thrown by everyone in the student section when Marquette scores their first basket. This fan-made fun is accompanied by an explosion of gold and blue streamers. These make great hair bows or neck ties, if you’re so inclined.
There are a series of cheers that all fanatics must know. I won’t spoil these, as they are best learned by practicing. Here’s a helpful hit – take cues from the pep band. They’re the heart and soul of the fanatics.
Another hallmark of Marquette Nation are BigNoggins. These are comically large cutouts of celebrities or cartoon characters’ heads. A new BigNoggin debuts each game, and occasionally fanatics are able to vote for which BigNoggin is next at gomarquette.com. The BigNoggins are given to fanatics directly behind the basket in an attempt to distract the opposing team. Getting a BigNoggin should be high on your Marquette Bucket List.
Most sporting events have a Kiss Cam and some sort of contest during the midpoint of the game. Our basketball games have all of these things. But we also have something no other team will ever have: Jump Around Guy. Rick Smith (Eng ’72, Grad ’82) is the gold standard in Marquette fans. He can be seen at every home game dancing to his signature song – “Jump Around” by House of Pain.
These are just a few of the traditions of Marquette Basketball season. While we hope this article will prepare you for your first fanatics experience, HCMU insists that you experience a game for yourself. The first game of the season is against Colgate at 3:30 p.m. today!
“Hail Alma Mater”
University Anthem
HAIL ALMA MATER,
THEE WE DO CALL.
WE’RE HERE TO GREET THEE,DEAREST FRIEND TO ALL.
WE’RE HERE TO SHOW THEE
OUR LOVE IS STRONG
HAIL ALMA MATER!
MARQUETTE, HEAR OUR SONG!
“Ring Out Ahoya”
University Fight Song
RING OUT AHOYA WITH
AN M-U RAH-RAH,
M-U RAH-RAH,
M-U RAH-RAH-RAH-RAH-RAH,
RING OUT AHOYA WITH
AN M-U RAH-RAH,
M-U RAH RAH FOR OLD MARQUETTE!
GOOOOOOOOO, GOOOOOOOOO,
GO! MARQUETTE!
GO! GO! GO! GO!
GOOOOOOOOO, GOOOOOOOOO,
GO! MARQUETTE!
GO! GO! GO! GO!
* all songs and lyrics are from gomarquette.com