Q&A: Hurd President Dallin Laird gives an inside look
The Utah Statesman interviewed Dallin Laird, USU Hurd president, about the 2013-14 basketball season and what students can expect when they attend games at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum.
Q: What can you say about the atmosphere of the student section and the Spectrum?
A: Atmosphere in the Spectrum is incredible. The allotment and location of our student section is amazing, not just being behind the basket, but all along the side and coming up to the front court. It’s a huge opportunity for the students and a blessing that the university allows us to have that much space. We almost take up half of the Spectrum, which provides a great atmosphere. The players love it. We’re loud, we get into the minds of the other players as much as we can, distracting them as much as we can, giving out team as much of a home court advantage as we can.
Q: What do you think in years past has led up to the excitement for the student section and the reputation it has?
A: Hardcore, dedicated Aggie fans that have really led to what the student section is today. One person can go out there and have a certain chant that catches on, and next thing you know, there is a Spectrum of 10,000 people chanting the same thing because it is awesome. Really, that’s what I would say makes it special; Aggie fans who are dedicated and love their team and come out no matter what and they love to get loud and crazy.
Q: What are some of your favorite chants that the student section does?
A: Of course I love the “I believe” chant and the “winning team/losing team” chant. One thing I love about our students is just how we play it by ear and if something in particular happens during a game, people make a chant off that.
Q: Is there anything new for the student section this year that you guys are planning?
A: As of right now we don’t have anything, but anything can happen during basketball, so after the first game or two there could be a new chant, or by the end of the season. Things happen or they just come up that we just go off of, and it’s going to be a lot of fun. We have a lot of activities planned for before the game to get students out there and excited, as well as different things for the games. Like the first game, we are looking to have the blue gloves to make it louder, and we’re looking to have the paper rip out which is pretty cool.
Q: Is there anything you want to say about the student section that would make people even more excited than they already are?
A: The Spectrum is just an awesome atmosphere with 10,000 people just going crazy after a huge dunk or a rally. The noise in there really is something you have to experience. It makes your knees shake. You’ve just got to be there. You’ve got to experience it. Words can’t describe that. Hopefully the students will build the atmosphere that the Spectrum is and has to offer by coming early to games and seeing that rush of students come in the building an hour before game time and staying the whole time and cheering your butts off.