EMU kicked off the start of the season for men and women’s basketball and men’s volleyball by holding Rally the Rowdies, an event that gave a moment in the spotlight to each team. Rowdy Royals events are also known to be one of the best events on campus; there is so much action, thrill, and laughter. 

Events like these also have a way of making new and returning players feel more welcome and appreciated not only on their team but in the wider EMU population. 

Even though this event mainly focused on EMU athletes, it also gave opportunities for nonathletes to get on the court and show off their competitive side for a chance to win cool prizes. 

The game that was chosen was shooting, and each person involved in the game was playing in hopes to win one of the two prizes: Shirley’s popcorn and a Kline’s gift card. 

EMU students came together to have a friendly competition of basketball, showing students, athletes or not, that tournaments can be a source of community on campus. 

Junior Lene Andrawas, a member of the women’s track and field team, spoke about her thoughts on the Rally the Rowdies event. 

She stated, “The event went really well; it was cool meeting the teams and getting to watch them in action. I can’t wait to watch them in season.” 

Junior Arianna Nixon, a member of the women’s field hockey team, also wanted to share her thoughts, “I am an athlete myself and Rowdy Royals events are always so much fun! It’s such a crazy feeling seeing how many athletes there are here. Being a student-athlete is not always easy, to be honest with you, so you do need the support of your peers and students as well as your teammates and other student-athletes to get you through it! So being able to have an event like [Rally the Rowdies]means the world.”