Gorilla chants, cheers and war cries

Ryan Atkinson, Collegio Reporter

Issue date: 7/28/06 Section: Sports

Media Credit: File Photo

During tailgating festivities, a Pittsburg State football fan barbecues before kickoff.

Media Credit: Teresa Gawrych/Collegio
Pittsburg State University students cheer on the PSU football team during one of the home games in the Carnie Smith Stadium.

So maybe you didn't decide to pack up and head to Pittsburg State exclusively for the sporting events. It is possible that you are planning on using your college experience to grow intellectually, make yourself an attractive candidate for the job of your dreams or to get the training you need to go out and make a positive impact on the world.

But you can't just ignore the sporting events.

Gorilla country has a lot to offer when it comes to athletics. A powerhouse of an NCAA Division II football program, one of the nicest DII stadiums in the nation, basketball teams that are competitive year after year, an up-and-coming volleyball program and great atmospheres at nearly all of the games, whatever the sport.

So it's really not logical to think that you will stay away from a fall football game at the newly renovated Carnie Smith Stadium or a January basketball game at John Lance Arena.

And when you venture to Pitt State's athletic venues and join the other fans you'll need to cheer because, honestly, the guys and gals who think they're just a bit too cool to get into the game aren't really all that likable.

So here is your unofficial guide to the top 10 cheers, chants, sayings and other stuff that goes on at Pitt State sporting events. Sure, some of them aren't exactly politically correct and some of them aren't very innovative, but come on out and give them a try. And then maybe you can start worrying about changing the world.

10. PA Pete's Witty Welcome.

It's not exactly a chant and it's not exactly a cheer, but it's still pretty darn cool. When a Pitt State opponent makes its entrance into Carnie Smith Stadium, Pete Hamilton, announcer and chair of the Communication Department, is waiting for them with an introduction that seems warm and welcoming at first.

"And here come our visitors, the Washburn Ichabods, into Carnie Smith Stadium. Welcome Ichabods," Hamilton will say, before letting out a half-evil chuckle. "Ha, ha, ha ... Welcome to the Jungle!"

Many of the Carnie Smith Stadium regulars enjoy joining Hamilton in the crazy chuckle.

9. Left, Right, Sit Down.

Although it's quite popular in basketball arenas across the country, it's still fun to chide an opposing player when he fouls out. The chant at Pitt State is basically the same as everywhere else. Once the player picks up his fifth foul and is disqualified, he has to make the walk back to the bench. That's when the student section and band begin the marching orders, yelling "Left, Right, Left, Right" in time with the footsteps. Once the player gets to the bench and starts to take a seat, everyone lets out a hefty "Sit Down!" This whole process is much more enjoyable when said opponent tries to throw everybody off and makes a complete fool of himself by continually hopping around on one foot.

8. What are they saying?

First an introduction to the Bleacher Creatures. They're a bunch of kids who are sponsored by the local YMCA and come to every home football game, run onto the field and then spend most of the game running around and eating stuff. But at some point in the second half, the cheerleaders round them up and take them on a lap around the stadium, yelling "Stand Up, Stand Up, for Pittsburg State." Then every so often they stop and do a nifty little jig that's a hoot to watch and listen to. The cheerleaders lead the creatures in a few noises and movements reminiscent of a Gorilla. The band gets a kick out of joining in.
Media Credit: File Photo
Erica Johnson cheers at a football game in Carnie Smith Stadium

7. Funny. Wrong, maybe, but funny.

So it might not be the nicest thing in the world, but the Pride of the Plains Marching Band nearly always gives an opposing player a rough time with a spoof of a famous Saturday Night Live skit. "U.G.LY., you ain't got no alibi, you're ugly," they will sing. They then go on to tell the player just how he got that way (his mama) and then spell out the name of a guy he has never met (yep, his daddy). Yeah, it's not exactly saintly, but it's hard not to chuckle at it.

6. Point ...

When the Pitt State volleyball team scores a point, which happens quite often, Hamilton, or whoever else is manning the announcer's seat, comes into play. Right after the Gorillas grab that point, the PA announcer yells "Point..." and the crowd responds with "Gorillas!" It's a great way to stay involved in the game and give the opponents something to think about.

5. First Down....

Once again, this one involves Hamilton (you think this guy has any school spirit?). After the Gorillas pick up a first down, which again is quite often, Hamilton steps up to the mic. "First Down...." he yells, and the crowd responds with "Pitt State!" No, it's not innovative or creative, but it sounds cool.

4. It's the band again.

This one's not as mean as No. 7, but it is just as funny. Late in the fourth quarter, when the Gorillas have another football win in their back pockets, the band begins serenading the opponent. The song is always to the tune of "Hey, Baby," but the lyrics are custom created for that week's opponent. Example: "Heyyyyyy, Hey Washburn! I wanna know....What's an Ichabod?" The band also has some generic lyrics for the right occasion. Let's say there are two minutes left in the game and Missouri Southern has yet to put up a single point. That's when the good ol' band starts in: "Heyyyyyy, Hey Southern! I wanna know....Are you gonna score?" the band also uses this song frequently to allow drum majors to propose to the opposing team's water girls, or athletic trainers.

3. Go Bananas

This one is pretty silly and kind of weird, but the band, cheerleaders and student section love to join in. Basically, it's a cheer that talks about and replicates peeling bananas, eating bananas and going bananas, at which point everyone jumps up and down and around and waves their hands in the air.

You'll just have to see it for yourself.

2. Pitt .... State

This one can give you goose bumps, especially if it's a big game and the house is packed. While the crowd is waiting for the football team to make its entrance onto the field, the cheerleaders begin leading this simple cheer. One side of the stadium yells 'Pitt" and the other follows with "State." It starts out quiet and just a bit unorganized, but after a few seconds it turns into a bone-rattling rally cry that has to be intimidating for opponents.

1. The Fight Song

What else were you expecting? It's traditional, it's catchy and it's basically the best way to support not only the teams, but the school.

"Pittsburg State team fight for your college, come and join the fray.

Pass that ball around for a touchdown and we'll win this game today!

Fight, fight, fight for the glory and the fame because our spirit is so great. And when this game is over, we'll shout the whole world over, Pittsburg State!"

Listen to the band a couple of times and then belt it out. Hey, we don't care how bad you sound.

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