Freshmen Students Experience GMU Basketball

By Connect2Mason Information Director Miguel Perez.

For many freshmen students, Monday’s Basketball against Brown University was their first Mason basketball game so far. Even those who had been present at the disappointing exhibition game against Division III Randolph-Macon College acknowledged that Monday’s game was a pleasant redeeming victory by the Patriots. Many felt energized and pumped for the rest of the season.

This game was also the first time that many freshmen participated in Mason's annual march to the Patriot Center, "Gold Rush." Despite the cold, rainy weather, some freshmen joined in and followed the pep band after receiving their free shirts.

Freshman Biology major Leon Cho, who was present at the Randolph-Macon exhibition game, was happy at the outcome of the Brown U. game. “I definitely thought that the Patriots redeemed themselves, but I don’t think they’ll fully redeem themselves from that loss until they can defeat a tough Division I opponent.”

Freshmen also met the new mascot at this game. Despite the animosity that the new mascot replacement faced from the crowd, as evident from the boos, he was met with a positive reception by freshmen.

“I liked the new mascot better than Gunston,” said freshman Film Studies major Zach Griffin. “This time you could tell what it was, unlike before. Now it’s clearly a patriot.”

Freshmen students left the basketball game, optimistic and excited for the season.

“My first mason basketball game was quite an experience,” said freshman Communications major and recently-elected senator Alexander Romano. “The energy from the student section was completely electrifying. The spirit was great and I hope to see more of it. I will be there at every game in the future!”

The Pep Band at Southside during "Gold Rush"