On Saturday nights in Key Stadium the Hounds show out on the field, but what about in the stands? The Hound Pound is bringing back school spirit at sporting events.
Sophomore communication major Hunter Baker has taken the lead on getting the student section to be the best it can be. Baker said he spoke to Matt Donovan, senior associate athletic director for advancement, who told him there had not been a full student section since COVID-19 hit schools in 2020.
Baker saw this during his freshman year, and once he entered his second year, he said he knew he needed to take the reins and start something for all students to be a part of. It has been a lot of work, Baker said. He said he has to talk to the head of the athletic department every week before a home game.
The Hound Pound had its first successful student section under Baker’s lead at the Homecoming game on Saturday Sept. 2024.
“We had such a great turnout, everyone was in it, and it was just an amazing feeling,” Baker said.
Baker said he had a lot of involvement from other students to get the Hound Pound up and running. According to Baker, about 20 people helped make signs and posters, generated ideas and brought props to the student section. Baker said the student section is not just about cheering at the games, it is a way to bring students together.
“I think the most important thing is that you can bond with each other,” Baker said, “You don’t have to have any knowledge of sports to be in the student section.”
Baker was an athlete in high school and said he knows other athletes look forward to having a good student section at their games. Baker says the long-term goal for the Hound Pound is to expand it to all sports. He wants every athlete from every team to feel like they have a fan base.
Everyone is welcome in the Hound Pound, Baker said, and the section is marked behind a large sign. Anyone who wants to join is encouraged to. Baker wants anyone with ideas to shout them out. There is no student section without the inclusion of everyone.
“If you’re going to go to the games that you get into for free,” Baker said, “you might as well cheer.” You can find the Hound Pound and stay updated with themes on their Instagram, @x_uindydogpound_x
