Join the most spirited WT organization, and paint up with us//3 PM on game days by the main gate @ Kimbrough.

-come Paint up
-or just hang out while others are
-tailgate with us before the home games with free food and drinks
-get in on the action

A day at Kimbrough

by Krystina Martinez

Thunder X, the University mascot, squirms under his rope restraints as the thunderous cheers from the crowd echo around him. The fans that have gathered at Kimbrough Memorial Stadium are restless; anxious for kick-off and the start of another exciting season of Buffs football, and Thunder X can feel it. As the noise increases to a low sonic boom, the Herdsmen using all their strength to keep the strong buffalo back. Its moments like these that signal the start of every WT football game: Thunder X barreling down the football field, the opening kick, the moving sea of maroon-and-white fans at Kimbrough, and a strange group of students near the 50-yard line.

They look like a Native American tribe ready for war. Some are completely unrecognizable with their maroon-and-white war paint. Some have fashioned capes, a headdress or two, or have come armed with vuvuzelas. All of them have hand-painted “shakers,” guaranteed to make the most noise possible. At first glance, they may seem like the typical rowdy group of college kids at a football game. However, the mission behind the Maroon Platoon sets it apart from other college spirit groups: honoring God.

“We are all about having fun and getting loud and crazy,” JD Newman, a senior communication major and current Maroon Platoon president, said. “We want to have a good time and show people that we can be Christ in other ways than going to church.”

The Maroon Platoon started a few years ago with a few guys getting together, painting up, and having fun at football games. Justin Carpenter, a WT and Wesley graduate, organized the group in the spring of 2009 and it evolved into the official campus organization it is known as today.

The members of the Maroon Platoon are easy to spot at any football game. Prior to kick-off, the group can be found at the south parking lot at Kimbrough at 3:00 p.m. They put on their own tailgate party where students can paint up in signature maroon-and-white and hang out with others over free drinks and hot dogs.

“It's a great time to fellowship with fellow football fans and show some true team spirit,” Eric Harrison, a sophomore theatre performance major, said.

To become a member of the Maroon Platoon is simple: show up and agree to the rules to sit in their section of the field. The section rules are even simpler: do not cuss, and keep the environment positive.

“Its a great way to show our school how much support we have for our Buffs,” Analee Medina, a senior nursing major, said. “What better way is there to witness to students then to paint up and cheer on our team?”

The fun and positivity doesn’t end when the play clock hits zero. Not only does the Maroon Platoon cheer on WT sports, but they also sponsor events called 5th Quarters. The brainchild of Carpenter, 5th Quarter provides a place for students and football players to come together and celebrate without alcohol.

“There is so much negative stuff that goes on and underage drinking after football games,” said Newman. “Justin knew that we had the capabilities to put on a better party at the Wesley than any of those other places.”

“The 5th Quarters add flair to student life,” Kevin Williams, a psychology senior at UT Arlington, said. “It’s a fun thing to do; a big dance party with food and games, what’s not to like?”

Besides attracting students from all walks of life, other organizations have noticed the Maroon Platoon’s work. Groups such as CORE and other campus ministries have gotten involved to help make 5th Quarter “the place to be” after home games. The work that the Maroon Platoon does to honor student athletics has also caught the attention of the football players.

“We have been asked before by players: ‘why do you do it every game?’” said Newman.
“Our answer is: ‘we love you guys and want to see you guys succeed.’ We create this positive environment where people are free to come and not deal with the negative attitudes that may be associated with sporting event fans. [This positive environment] casts evil out and really lets God’s light shine through His people in the stands. The glory that we give to God really comes from putting Him first in all we do.”

The Maroon Platoon is consistently growing due to its fun and positive mission and is making an impact on campus.

“I am a firm believer in the louder and prouder the fans, the more excited the team, and therefore the better they do,” said Harrison.

The Buffs ended a successful 2010 football season with an 8-4 overall record and made a fifth NCAA Division II playoff appearance in six years. This year, a preseason poll has already predicted the Buffs to finish third in the Lone Star Conference.

The team will have the opportunity to participate in the inaugural Lone Star Football Festival at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Tex. on Sept. 17 against Texas A&M-Kingsville. Wherever the Buffs go, the Maroon Platoon is guaranteed to be close behind.

“There are no rules against sound makers or painting up so you better believe [we will be going],” said Newman.