The Online Reflector

There is one distinct voice that echoes from every corner of each athletic facility on the University of Indianapolis campus. Whether from the top of Key Stadium cheering on the football and soccer teams, in Ruth Lilly Fitness Center encouraging the volleyball team, emanating from the walls of Nicoson Hall for the basketball teams or reaching the furthest players in the outfield at the baseball and softball games, UIndy graduate student Adam Wyckoff’s voice lends his support of Greyhound athletics.

Wyckoff, who graduated with a degree in music composition from the University of Indianapolis, is studying for his Master’s of Business Administration while working with the school’s music department. He also is this year’s student director for the pep band.

According to Wyckoff, his passion for athletics began in junior high school when he was on his school’s swim team. He said that at one meet, the team’s best freestyle swimmer was gone, so he had to compete in the other swimmer’s place.

“I had to swim the 200 meter freestyle,” Wyckoff said. “My teammates stood at the turn and were screaming every time I hit the turn. Even though I was a length behind, I felt awesome. I only heard the shouts of my teammates and it pushed me to swim harder. It was so exhilarating.”

Since then, Wyckoff has dedicated himself to bringing that same positive atmosphere to every athletic event he attends.

He often can be seen standing at the top of the stands, twirling a UIndy scarf in large circles and yelling team members’ names to encourage them.

“Name is a powerful thing,” Wyckoff said. “People enjoy hearing their names. It’s everyone’s favorite word, and first name usage immediately brings a smile.”

Wyckoff also has made an effort to get the pep band more involved with athletics, or to  have a “branding with the athletic department,” as he calls it. This effort began with the encouragement of his music teacher, Brenda Clark, assistant professor of music.

“We all like to be valued and affirmed,” Clark said. “By getting to know the school’s athletes better, especially by name, we show that we value them and affirm their place of importance not just with the sport in which they are participating, but their contribution to the greater campus community.”

Wyckoff both appreciates and acknowledges that although UIndy is not a large Division I university on SportsCenter, it still deserves the support of its student body.

“I like watching sports, and I don’t have the money right now to pay for ESPN,” he said. “When I go to games here, it’s a live event and I get to do it for free.”

Clark explained that Wyckoff’s loyalty is unsurpassed.

“Adam [Wyckoff] is a great asset to the pep band,” she said.  “He not only serves as the student-director this year, but his enthusiasm regarding all events is infectious among our ensemble members.  Adam [Wyckoff] is the ultimate super fan when it comes to UIndy sports.”