At Augustana, sports teams are not entirely their own entity.
Augustana sports teams have been developing a bond between each other, and the support they give has an effect on one another.
One such bond is between the volleyball and wrestling teams, as the wrestlers show up to the volleyball team’s games to cheer them on.
Another bond is between the football team, who showed up to cheer on the men’s basketball team at their home game last week, and the basketball team, who believes they play better due to this support.
“They [the football players] are our sixth man on the court, and the energy they bring in every home game is remarkable,” said senior captain Danielius Jurgutis.
Jurgutis said he draws his energy from the student section, where the football players not only motivate the team on the court, but energize the crowd off the court.
“It’s great having all the guys together to get rowdy, but it’s even better when the bleachers are packed, and everyone is cheering them [the basketball team] on,” said Robert French, an Augustana football player.
The football team does not only go to the game to show support, but also innovate new ways to cheer and get loud. In the past, the football team has worn steel-toed work boots, and stomped their feet during big plays or when the referee made a questionable call against the Vikings.
The football team says their support is their way of giving back to the basketball team, who were just as supportive at their own games during football season. In return, the basketball team is grateful for the football team’s support.
“I like to thank the guys from the football team when I see them around campus…I appreciate the time they took to come and show support for us,” said junior point guard Hunter Hill.
The bond between athletes on both teams also carries over off the court.
“I am good friends with a lot of the basketball players, and we hang out often. I even let Griffin Pils and Hunter Hill live in my apartment over the summer,”  said senior defensive back Tim Maroder. “It is great to have people outside of just your team, as good friends.”
The football team will bring as much support as possible to senior night this Saturday, when the Vikings will play Millikin for the final home game of the regular season.