Temple University - Templar Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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The Cherry Crusade Brings Temple Spirir to Homecoming Tfin Temple U! University! Fight, fight, Jigfitfor the cherry and the white, Jin the cherry and the white, la’s fight, fight, fight' This infamous chant is a tradition for every Temple University football or basket! Kill victor)1. But, when the clock hits 0 and the fans start rejoicing, who is charge of leading Temple’s rowdy victory chant? They’re known as the Cherry Crusade, a student organization made up of the most passionate Temple fans on campus. Cherry Crusade President Sam Forman describes the group as “a student organization serving as the liaisons between Temple Athletics and the Wild Cherry section, as well as the student body as a whole.” “We are the most passionate and dedicated Temple fans out there, and we aspire to support each and every program to the best of our ability and build school spirit on campus,” he said. While the group is a mainstay at all Temple athletic events, there is nothing bigger for them than the homecoming football game. Max McGee, a senior journalism major, said the Cherry Crusade is loud at every home game, but seemed to lx- a bit louder for the occasion. “The energy is something that stood out as soon as you arrived at the stadium. The Cherry Crusade is the soundtrack to Temple home games, and they definitely had an effect on the visiting team,” McGee said. “We really enjoy all the hype and all the spirit that goes with it, Forman said. “The homecoming football game, and the weekend as a whole, Is always a special one. The atmosphere is always dialed up just a little bit more because of how many people come back to support their school.” Junior journalism major Omari Coleman attended the game and noticed that the Crusade was in full force. “I knew about the organization before the game, but they were as loud its ever for this one. They kept cheering through the cold and the rain.” Coleman said. While it is great to support the Owls during homecoming weekend, Forman says the Cherry Crusade docs their best to show sujxport throughout the year. “Every game is equally important. Temple is our school, and pride is always on the line. So truthfully, we give maximum effort all the time in our mission to support the student athletes and build school spirit,” Forman said. In the grand scheme, Forman and the Cherry Crusade believe homecoming is bigger than just a football game. “It’s a weekend to celebrate the larger Temple family we are so lucky to lx: a part of, so wc do our best to help out in the celebration as much as possible by ! cing a factor and always believing,” he said. WRITTEN BY JOSEPH WILLIAMS I’HO’ltXJRAI'HY BY .OK EVANTTUS