The unofficial online home for fans of the Old Dominion University Monarchs. Part of Collegiate Sports Nation (CSN).

(08-13-2015 01:18 PM)SPACESCAPE Wrote:  

(08-13-2015 07:28 AM)SPACESCAPE Wrote:  Any Maniacs reading this. I will have nice official signs made, paid for and shipped to you for use if you bring this chant back.

My offer stands. Come on let's do it.

This past season, a few students and myself took it upon ourselves to start the student section back up again. When they only booked one bus for students to MSG, we went to ODAF and the University President and didn't quit until we had more buses. Surprisingly, after a lot of phone calls and emails, they listened and we are on an upswing.

We have purchased the big heads and a number of signs last season. It started with a few of us, but after several awkward games of being the only spirited students, things started to turn for the better. We started doing the "Big Deal" chants towards the end of the season (I remembered them from attending games as a toddler), but would love some heavier duty signs made that can carry us through the season.

I have been in contact with ODAF and Monarch Maniacs about how we can make this a student led effort... this is key to bringing the numbers we started to see at the end of the season. We have resurrected the old "Front Row Crew" name and are really excited about the coming season. Go Monarchs!

- Taylor
Junior, Old Dominion University

(08-13-2015 08:45 PM)RowBob Wrote:  

(08-13-2015 01:18 PM)SPACESCAPE Wrote:  

(08-13-2015 07:28 AM)SPACESCAPE Wrote:  Any Maniacs reading this. I will have nice official signs made, paid for and shipped to you for use if you bring this chant back.

My offer stands. Come on let's do it.

This past season, a few students and myself took it upon ourselves to start the student section back up again. When they only booked one bus for students to MSG, we went to ODAF and the University President and didn't quit until we had more buses. Surprisingly, after a lot of phone calls and emails, they listened and we are on an upswing.

We have purchased the big heads and a number of signs last season. It started with a few of us, but after several awkward games of being the only spirited students, things started to turn for the better. We started doing the "Big Deal" chants towards the end of the season (I remembered them from attending games as a toddler), but would love some heavier duty signs made that can carry us through the season.

I have been in contact with ODAF and Monarch Maniacs about how we can make this a student led effort... this is key to bringing the numbers we started to see at the end of the season. We have resurrected the old "Front Row Crew" name and are really excited about the coming season. Go Monarchs!

- Taylor
Junior, Old Dominion University

Thank you and your fellow students for making the effort to do this. It is very inspiring to know this. Being part of a raucous crowd supporting your school at exciting games are the kind of memories that will last a lifetime. The alumni, the other fans, and especially the athletes, all really appreciate the support from current students. On top of all of that, it helps create a tough environment for the visiting teams. Well done Taylor!

(08-13-2015 08:58 PM)paintedblue2 Wrote:  

(08-13-2015 08:45 PM)RowBob Wrote:  

(08-13-2015 01:18 PM)SPACESCAPE Wrote:  

(08-13-2015 07:28 AM)SPACESCAPE Wrote:  Any Maniacs reading this. I will have nice official signs made, paid for and shipped to you for use if you bring this chant back.

My offer stands. Come on let's do it.

This past season, a few students and myself took it upon ourselves to start the student section back up again. When they only booked one bus for students to MSG, we went to ODAF and the University President and didn't quit until we had more buses. Surprisingly, after a lot of phone calls and emails, they listened and we are on an upswing.

We have purchased the big heads and a number of signs last season. It started with a few of us, but after several awkward games of being the only spirited students, things started to turn for the better. We started doing the "Big Deal" chants towards the end of the season (I remembered them from attending games as a toddler), but would love some heavier duty signs made that can carry us through the season.

I have been in contact with ODAF and Monarch Maniacs about how we can make this a student led effort... this is key to bringing the numbers we started to see at the end of the season. We have resurrected the old "Front Row Crew" name and are really excited about the coming season. Go Monarchs!

- Taylor
Junior, Old Dominion University

Thank you and your fellow students for making the effort to do this. It is very inspiring to know this. Being part of a raucous crowd supporting your school at exciting games are the kind of memories that will last a lifetime. The alumni, the other fans, and especially the athletes, all really appreciate the support from current students. On top of all of that, it helps create a tough environment for the visiting teams. Well done Taylor!

I want to second what PaintedBlue2 said. From an original FRC member to you, I wanna thank you. I remember when we were a "wine and cheese" crowd and you guys were the only ones acting like students should at basketball games. It all starts with a few passionate people and I watched the student section grow every game. Some of my fondest memories from college were prepping for basketball games, the face/body painting, making signs, getting there early to secure our seats, planning chants and crazy dances/performances/distractions etc. I plan to go to a few games next year and look forward to seeing how you guys lead the crowd. It's definitely an amazing experience, it opened doors for me oddly enough. Once again, thank you and GO MONARCHS!

(08-13-2015 08:45 PM)RowBob Wrote:  

(08-13-2015 01:18 PM)SPACESCAPE Wrote:  

(08-13-2015 07:28 AM)SPACESCAPE Wrote:  Any Maniacs reading this. I will have nice official signs made, paid for and shipped to you for use if you bring this chant back.

My offer stands. Come on let's do it.

This past season, a few students and myself took it upon ourselves to start the student section back up again. When they only booked one bus for students to MSG, we went to ODAF and the University President and didn't quit until we had more buses. Surprisingly, after a lot of phone calls and emails, they listened and we are on an upswing.

We have purchased the big heads and a number of signs last season. It started with a few of us, but after several awkward games of being the only spirited students, things started to turn for the better. We started doing the "Big Deal" chants towards the end of the season (I remembered them from attending games as a toddler), but would love some heavier duty signs made that can carry us through the season.

I have been in contact with ODAF and Monarch Maniacs about how we can make this a student led effort... this is key to bringing the numbers we started to see at the end of the season. We have resurrected the old "Front Row Crew" name and are really excited about the coming season. Go Monarchs!

- Taylor
Junior, Old Dominion University

Let's talk via private message

Think I heard Blue Jean Vest guy is back at ODU, I think just hired by ODAF. Maybe he can help some with getting these guys calibrated.

How about the Blues Brothers..? Would love to see them back, they were one of a kind that other schools wished they had.

RowBob - As a proud alumnus, I'd like to extend a huge gratitude to you and anyone else that helped you pull this together. I also want to commend you for staying the course even when it felt awkward as you stood to cheer your Monarchs on and no one else around you seemed to want to join. One thing to keep in mind as you continue this exciting endeavor, others may have been quiet, but rest assured, many of them most probably enjoyed the heck out of your enthusiasm. Although I don't live in the Hampton Roads area, I have secured tickets to attend a couple of home games, and believe me, I won't be sitting down quietly. Once again, thank you for the inspiration, and Go Monarchs!

(08-13-2015 11:42 PM)DaBigBlue Wrote:  Think I heard Blue Jean Vest guy is back at ODU, I think just hired by ODAF. Maybe he can help some with getting these guys calibrated.

Blue Jean Vest with the Big Lion Logo? Lion logo might be on his sport coat actually, but that would be Patrick Walsh! If he really is involved with the Maniacs I have contact info if anyone needs it.

I'm shopping for signs for you guys right now. Trying to find some place that will allow me to have two different sides that don't have the same thing. Trying to get a logo on one side and the chant on the other side so when you hold it up the logo is facing the court. I'm also going look into having a nice big Front Row Crew vinyl banner made that you guys can hang over the rail on the front row. If you guys have any suggestions on places to shop let me know, I'm open to everything.. Just looking around right now for the best place to do this.

(08-13-2015 08:45 PM)RowBob Wrote:  This past season, a few students and myself took it upon ourselves to start the student section back up again. When they only booked one bus for students to MSG, we went to ODAF and the University President and didn't quit until we had more buses. Surprisingly, after a lot of phone calls and emails, they listened and we are on an upswing.

We have purchased the big heads and a number of signs last season. It started with a few of us, but after several awkward games of being the only spirited students, things started to turn for the better. We started doing the "Big Deal" chants towards the end of the season (I remembered them from attending games as a toddler), but would love some heavier duty signs made that can carry us through the season.

I have been in contact with ODAF and Monarch Maniacs about how we can make this a student led effort... this is key to bringing the numbers we started to see at the end of the season. We have resurrected the old "Front Row Crew" name and are really excited about the coming season. Go Monarchs!

- Taylor
Junior, Old Dominion University

That's awesome, good job! I am 100% behind a grassroots movement. I've been a fan of the quote "policy produces reluctant compliance, values drive commitment" and in this case the administration needs to set the values and let those with the passion be committed to run with it and let the administration provide the things they need, if they provide you with your requests (within reason) and the youth run the show it'll become exciting again. I can't count how many "IT Steering Committees" I've attempted to form that failed because they were too top heavy until I finally got the right audience and removed IT from being the captain, and just a facilitator.

High5!

(08-14-2015 07:06 AM)SPACESCAPE Wrote:  I'm shopping for signs for you guys right now. Trying to find some place that will allow me to have two different sides that don't have the same thing. Trying to get a logo on one side and the chant on the other side so when you hold it up the logo is facing the court. I'm also going look into having a nice big Front Row Crew vinyl banner made that you guys can hang over the rail on the front row. If you guys have any suggestions on places to shop let me know, I'm open to everything.. Just looking around right now for the best place to do this.

It honestly looks like signs.com might be the best bet. I'm thinking of making a 24 in x 12 in sign for each part of the chant (do you think that will be big enough?) .. I'm going to have to contact them and put in a special request to have two different sides. Do you think aluminum would be alright? Would like to get something made that will last you guys some amount of years.

I'm also working out what size for a banner that you guys can hang over the front row to get some name recognition going on for the FRC.

Wells guys... after interacting with the Athletic Department I'm not so sure this is a good idea. They are not in support what so ever of the chant being brought back. It is viewed as sexist to call out the opposite sex for the Who's he/she portion of the chant. So I asked if we just change the he/she part to only be used during the appropriate gender's games. That was not good enough and the reasoning is the assumption that the kids will ultimately put it back to the way it was (he for women, she for men) at which point any signs would be confiscated and kids removed from the game. They will not support the bringing back of this chant even if we were to do it the right way.

(08-14-2015 10:23 AM)SPACESCAPE Wrote:  Wells guys... after interacting with the Athletic Department I'm not so sure this is a good idea. They are not in support what so ever of the chant being brought back. It is viewed as sexist to call out the opposite sex for the Who's he/she portion of the chant. So I asked if we just change the he/she part to only be used during the appropriate gender's games. That was not good enough and the reasoning is the assumption that the kids will ultimately put it back to the way it was (he for women, she for men) at which point any signs would be confiscated and kids removed from the game. They will not support the bringing back of this chant even if we were to do it the right way.

True, but that's just the official stance of Athletics from a PR perspective. This is also true to Athletics not condoning foul language (e.g. ODU song/chat - "F em up, F em up, O-D-U!"). They will never be on record in condoning these activities.

... And the fun police have spoken. The effort is certainly appreciated though.

Sent from my XT1095 using Tapatalk

Honestly... If the kids are on board I am down to still provide the signs if we can keep it to He for men's and She for women's (only because I don't want to see any of our kids thrown out of the game). I've never been one to appreciate authority

Probably best to keep language as sanitary as possible at the games. I know that the strongest language I ever use at the TED is "golly gee willikers these refs are not very good. I hope they all come down with an incurable std and their ***** fall off."

IMO, Duke is the only one that does this stuff well

(08-14-2015 10:41 AM)paintedblue2 Wrote:  Probably best to keep language as sanitary as possible at the games. I know that the strongest language I ever use at the TED is "golly gee willikers these refs are not very good. I hope they all come down with an incurable std and their ***** fall off."

Didn't realize that was you, Ted Alexander! Glad you're here interacting with us

When I was in the FRC I had this poster. It debuted during the VCU game (obviously) and raised it up at the end of the game when we had the game in the bag. The camera man even put it on the jumbotron for a while and the crowd loved it. Our whole thing was to not be afraid to step over the line, and not ask permission just ask for forgiveness lol. The athletic department rarely if ever interfered, and only really shut down a request once. From time to time we thought we may have gotten in a little bit of trouble, especially from the cheer coaches (before I became a member) but in the end they came to love it. However, the Monarch Maniacs were run completely differently back then than they are now so that may be the biggest obstacle

(EDIT: That is Marsharee Neely's and Gerald Lee's autographs on it. The look on their faces when I asked them to sign it was priceless haha)

No problem....just get rid of the who's she line and replace it with You Suck !

Problem solved !!!!![/align]

(08-14-2015 08:43 PM)Mr.BigBlue Wrote:  No problem....just get rid of the who's she line and replace it with You Suck !

Problem solved !!!!![/align]

Or "Who Cares?"