As part of a new Her Campus initiative this year, HC Nottingham have been partnered with a sister chapter across the ocean – HC Boston College! In our second interview, we talked to the BC team about American sports culture, and how much they know about British rugby…
We know that sport is a big part of college life in the US, perhaps more so than in the UK. We know from our last interview that BC has a really good hockey team, how big of a presence does it have on campus?
K: I’m gonna refer this question to Meghan – she knows A LOT more about hockey than I do…
Meg: Hockey here is the biggest sport and at every home game you will see the student section packed with students. There are even a group of students, that is a pretty big group, that travels wherever the team goes when they have away games. Two seasons ago, our men’s hockey team won the National Championship and there was a parade on campus for the team. They are almost like mini-celebrities, especially because many of them go on to play professional hockey.
What other sports is BC involved in?
K: Football and hockey are our biggest sports. Although, we have teams for pretty much every sport.
M: Football and hockey teams are the biggest here, and basketball gets a good student fan section when we play big teams like Duke and UMiami. Although our soccer team is pretty good, there are not that many college soccer fans here. Other than that we have every other team sport you can really think of including baseball, softball, field hockey, equestrian, swimming and diving, tennis..you name it we have it.
Describe the atmosphere at a big game on campus (any sport of your choice).
K: It is loud and crazy. Everyone is in BC colors – typically bright gold and yellow. We have “Superfan” shirts that everyone is given their freshman year and told to wear at all sporting events.
M: I agree with how Kelsey described our big games. There are also a lot of alumni and student’s families that come to the games. We have a series of cheers that all students have memorized by the third game or so, and we also cheer along to the band.
What is tailgating?
K: Tailgating takes place before each football game. If it is an earlier game, then students get together in parking lots and set up tables with amazing breakfast/brunch food. There are usually mimosas or bloody marys and everyone just has a good time while they drink and eat.Games taking place later in the day are more barbecue oriented – think hotdogs, hamburgers, etc.
The Her Campus BC girls tailgating last weekend!
We have cheerleaders at Nottingham, but we imagine the cheer culture is very different in America – could you describe it to us?
K: I don’t know much about the cheer culture. We have a bunch of different cheer teams – Pom Squad, BC Cheer, Dance Team, etc.
M: We have lots of people cheering on our BC sports team. The cheerleading team, made up of guys and girls, do more of the cheers, tumbling and stunts. The BC Pom Squad is sort of like a mix between cheerleading and dance; they play the biggest role during the basketball season. Then there is the dance team, and you will see them performing with the marching band during halftime in football games. Never thought about it but we have a lot of team spirit right on the field.
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Our sports teams sometimes get into a lot of trouble regarding team initiations! Do sports teams have any initiation traditions and if so could you describe them to us?
K: I don’t know of any… but then again I am not on any sports teams!
M: Although there is nothing big here regarding “initiation”, I am sure that BC teams have some sort of event to welcome in the freshman, even if it involves embarassing them a bit. I am glad, however, there are no issues of hazing or torturing teammates, which goes to show the great team morality that our sports teams try to build from day 1.
What is the biggest sport played by girls on your campus?
K: Rowing and lacrosse are probably the biggest Varsity sports on campus. But most girls frequent the gym on their own – either doing individual workouts or attending group fitness classes.
M: I agree with Kelsey. We also have a really good Women’s Ice Hockey team that makes it to the National Championship, or at least the semi-finals, everywhere but they are often overshadowed by the men’s team.
How important is fitness to BC students, and American students as a whole?
K: Fitness is a huge thing at BC. The majority of students go to the gym multiple days a week. So while we have lots of Varsity athletes, club sport athletes, and intramural athletes, I would definitely say that the gym (we call it “The Plex”) is one of the most popular places to be on campus. Students are also very health-conscious in terms of what they eat.
Have you ever been to a big game in Boston – is it similar or different to a college game?
K: I’ve been to a Red Sox (baseball) game and it was SO. MUCH. FUN! I would totally go back. I think the biggest difference from BC is the fan loyalty. Red Sox fans are definitely more loyal and more involved than BC “Superfans.”
M: I have a diehard Boston fan in every sport! I love the Boston Red Sox (baseball), Boston Celtics (basketball), Boston Bruins (hockey), and the New England Patriots (football). The Red Sox just won the World Series this season which was HUGE for the city of Boston not only cause we were a terrible team last year but also because the Red Sox team built a great morality for the city after the Boston Marathon bombing. I will admit though, Boston fans are crazy and will do anything for their teams!
Fenway Park – Home of the Boston Red Sox
What sports do you associate with Britain?
K: Definitely Rugby and Football (American Soccer). Maybe polo and cricket, too?
M: I also associate Britain with Rugby and Football (American soccer). I actually have a friend who is playing for a British Ice Hockey team, Coventry Blaze, so I guess ice hockey is over there too.
Do you know what a ‘scrum’ is? Hint: it’s to do with rugby!
K: I have absolutely no idea. It actually sounds kind of dirty…
M: I also have no idea.. Sounds dirty to me too. Maybe a little player on the team who gets dirty but gets points for the team? Sorry also not familiar with rugby.