The Dawg Pound Spirit

UMBC Shows Its Spirit

By Jason Chamberlain '97

We are all proud of the fact that UMBC is known as a serious place of higher learning. The America East Championships gave us a chance to show off our UMBC spirit and the excitement and energy that takes place outside of the classroom.

The day unfolded in storybook fashion as if it was well rehearsed; yet it possessed such spontaneity as everyone in attendance sensed it was something very special.  Everything had an extra sparkle on Saturday.  Our pep band played a bit crisper, our cheerleaders rallied the crowd a bit higher, and our mascot’s bark was a bit more intimidating. 

Perhaps we have been underestimating the importance of athletics as a unifying bond that can pull the entire school together.  The RAC was filled with students and faculty, parents and their kids, alumni and residents of the surrounding Catonsville community, and one affable fellow with a paw print on the top of his bald head.  Unlike any time in recent memory have there been so few differences amongst us.

Once the team took the floor there was no hesitation.  The crowed roared, the red light on ESPN’s camera went on and the Retrievers took command of the game.  They left nothing to chance.  Jay Greene, Brian Hodges, Ray Barbosa, Darryl Proctor and company took a big lead to the locker room at the half and never looked back.  With 0.7 seconds remaining, the students rushed the court only to be held back by refs. 

After the whistle blew, Darryl Proctor climbed into the stands to hug family and friends as a large banner stating, “DREAMS REALLY DO COME TRUE” was unfurled in the student section. Certainly someone is going to Disneyland…if Disneyland is in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of the entire day transpired far from the basketball court, if my own experiences are any guide.  After the game, my wife and I went for a walk around Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and I was still wearing my bright yellow UMBC basketball shirt.  At least a dozen people stopped us to ask if we won and to wish us congratulations and good luck.

Perhaps we should all wear our UMBC gear more often.