What is a “Screaming Eagle”? Any student not afraid to make a little noise in the stands at Concordia University. I am Dakota Anderson, and I have been a student leader for two years but a Screaming Eagle since I set foot on campus.
What does this mean to you as a prospective student? I have the privilege of handing out free snow cones to you on a hot school day while you watch our 2011 NAIA Baseball National Champions. I get to run up and down the court alongside our nationally ranked men’s basketball team while they make their final three point shot to win the game. And I’ll be the one handing out a t-shirt for all you Screaming Eagles to wear as a united front to cheer on Concordia Athletics.
Not only do I get to be a Screaming Eagle and participate in challenges and events on campus, but I also get to celebrate victories with the teams as well. Both the students get a positive experience from participating as a Screaming Eagle and the professional athletic staff find this to be a fulfilling opportunity as well.
Concordia Men’s Basketball is #1 for Scoring Offense, averaging 84.5 points a game.
Ken Ammann, our head coach, stated, “I don’t think the Screaming Eagles themselves realize how important they are when they are here in full force getting loud. They become part of the game, and they are definitely part of the reason that we have the best home record in the country in the last five years (76-4).”
Our Women’s Volleyball team is ranked #7 in the 2011 Golden State Athletic Conference and has the best hitting percentage in conference.
Lindsey Campbell, a former Screaming Eagle and now the assistant coach said, “As a former Concordia Volleyball player, I remember the Screaming Eagles as a great support system. They attended all our home matches and even away matches that no one else would even think of going to. Now as a coach at Concordia, I see the Screaming Eagles bringing the Concordia community together and help not only the volleyball team but all athletic teams soar to victory!”
All Screaming Eagles receive a school-wide fan club t-shirt and prizes consisting of gift cards and Vizio TV’s. We have pep rallies put on throughout the year to get us motivated for the upcoming season of sports. Midnight Madness, our most popular event of the academic year, is put on during first semester to get a kick-start to Men and Women’s Basketball. Exciting challenges await our students, who might run around in a hamster ball, throw half court shots, and participate in musical chair layups. We also throw events at each athletic function. You have the chance to win free food from the concessions stand, which could include items such as cotton candy and popcorn.
Beyond the prizes, treats, and success of our athletic teams, the most rewarding experience of a Screaming Eagle is being part of our school pride and campus community. I have profited by this because of the many friends I have made through my attendance at various athletic events – women’s volleyball, soccer, tennis, softball, swimming, water polo, cross country and more! I invite you to join me as a fellow Screaming Eagle and take pride in our athletics and community.