Looking around the student section at a football game, it is unavoidable to feel like family. Passion soars through the stands like fighter planes, fueled by loyalty to the maroon and gold. As ULM football played against Southern Alabama, we took to the stands to get to know some of the Warhawks.

There are so many different reasons for students to attend the games at ULM. But most would agree that the main reason is to come see loved ones perform. From kickoff, the chants and chaos began as ULM won the coin toss and started with the ball. The students were nothing shy of roaring, and for good reason, due to the Warhawks making their first touchdown within the first two minutes.

The hustle from ULM was unmatched within the first half.

“I keep coming back here to support the team,” Junior kinesiology major Hannah Scott said. “The guys work so hard and should be recognized for that.” Scott is also dating number 55, Jerome Simmons.

As the game continued, the band never failed to catch an opportunity to try to distract South Alabama by screaming, banging drums, and blowing the horns loudly. The energy was at its peak, and the fans only fed off their ploy as the chanting got louder, and tension began to rise.

Talking with Sarah Charrier, a senior at ULM double majoring in political science pre-law and psychology, she said, “I enjoy watching and listening to the band the most because I have so many friends in band.”

Creeping into halftime, with the score at 14-0 in favor of ULM, fans were scooting closer to the edge of their seats. The student section began to erupt and became the heart of the game. Looking over and seeing people jumping up and onto each other, cheering and laughing, the feeling of being a part of something bigger than themselves is a driving factor of the youthful passions here at ULM.

The women’s volleyball team also lined the stands, and when asked why they attended, junior business major Morgan Howard said, “they come to our games, so it must be equal. Warhawks support Warhawks.”

Though the Warhawks took a loss this time around, the Warhawk spirit never died. And beyond that, what will be remembered is the captured intimacy outside of the players and the game. Whether in the stands or on the field, no one lacked a reason to be there. The best is on the Bayou; it is one big family.