Warriors Home Opener Blackout

Redshirt senior quarterback Bruce Campbell threw a 52-yard TD pass to tie the game in the first quarter. Photo Credit / Ronald Hanaki Redshirt senior quarterback Bruce Campbell threw a 52-yard TD pass to tie the game in the first quarter. Photo Credit / Ronald Hanaki
Redshirt senior quarterback Bruce Campbell threw a 52-yard TD pass to tie the game in the first quarter. Photo Credit / Ronald Hanaki
Redshirt senior quarterback Bruce Campbell threw a 52-yard TD pass to tie the game in the first quarter.
Photo Credit / Ronald Hanaki

Laura Null
Staff Writer

With a new school year comes another new season of football and fan favorites.

On Sept. 10, 2016 at Eiler-Martin Stadium, the East Stroudsburg University Warriors football team had their first home opener against Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), themed as a blackout. Even on this brutal hot day, hundreds of fans arrived in the stands wearing black to show their support as the players took the field.

Additionally, even those who forgot to wear black had redemption as the first thousand people to enter were given a free black-out shirt.

At 6:05 p.m., kickoff to the first quarter had begun, ESU vs. IUP had a strong start as the ESU Warriors scored a touchdown within the first two minutes of the game.

Cheering fans from the home side jumped up and down and clapped in one singular unit as ESU’s students, staff and alumni covered the bleachers like a sea of black.

Amongst other excitement, the color guard twirled and waved their white flags, dancing along to the rhythm and beats of the marching band’s tunes.

The cheerleading team performed their routine amongst the sideline, below the stands, enthusiastically getting the crowd pepped up. Even the alumni came to show their support for their alma mater, with a pregame tailgate in the parking lot, barbecuing with family and friends.

By the end of the first quarter, it was ESU 14 and IUP 21. But throughout the game, the Warriors held their heads high and played strong.

Every quarter, the team averaged in between one to two touchdowns, while IUP averaged two to three every quarter.

Despite falling behind on the scoreboard, ESU fans still stayed and supported. They cheered on the men playing for their university.

Although IUP left the ESU Warriors with an upsetting loss of 73 to 42, the ESU Warriors seem to have taken home the win with the best team spirit and greatest fans on campus.

Further, this is just the beginning to a season of improvement for the Warriors. On Sept. 1, 2016 ESU beat Brevard 49 – 14, showing that they are ready to fight and work hard this season for the championship.

This home game was just the first of many. On Saturday, Oct. 1 (Family Weekend), the Warriors will go head-to-head with Cheyney at 6:05 p.m., here at the university’s very own Eiler-Martin Stadium.

For more information on upcoming sporting events, see the ESU website esuwarriors.com and come out and show your spirit #wherewarriosbelong.

Email Lauren at:
lnull@live.esu.edu