Matthew Hubbard and Tanner Conley, economics junior, cheer at the first home football game at Memorial Statdium on Aug. 31. Photo by Bradley Wilson
They are not hard to find.
Maroon and yellow paint stripe their faces. Eight letters painted on bare chests, spelling out “Mustangs.” Standing front and center, their yelling never ceases and their spirit never dies.
They are the Mustang Maniacs, a campus organization dedicated to school spirit and Mustang pride.
“We are a group of students who love to attend the athletic games and show our school spirit,” Kenzie Anderson, nursing senior and Maniac co-chief, said.
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Members of the group paint maroon and gold on their faces as a pre-game group ritual.
“I enjoy painting my face for the games,” Kaelen Powless, radiology junior and yell leader, said. “It puts us in a rhythm to get hyped and pumped for the game.”
To be considered an official member of the Maniacs, a student is asked to pay a $5 due and attend at least five athletic events.
“We are probably one of the chillest organizations on campus to be involved in,” Anderson said. “We don’t require much except pay the due, attend the games and show as much school spirit as you can.”
The Maniacs have 20 members and are looking for more students to join.
“We are always accepting students who want to take part in showing school spirit,” Rici Turner, mass communication senior and Maniac co-chief, said. “The student can be of any classification and one who loves sports.”
Any student interested in joining the Maniacs can attend the first “pow-wow” on Wednesday, Sept. 6, at 6 p.m. in Clark Student Center. Students will be able to visit with leaders and receive more information about being a Maniac.
Wise words from Mustang Maniacs
“I’ve always been one on the field playing and never in the stands yelling for my team. I enjoy being apart of the spirit in this section. I like painting my face, getting hyped and showing my support.” | Josiah Beshear, nursing sophomore
“Being apart of the Maniacs is more fun than I thought it would be. I am testing out the section during this football game.” | Jonah Parker, finance freshman
“I didn’t really have any impression of the Maniacs, I just decided to jump in and join them. I just figured why not and will most likely join the group at future events. I think our spirit helps the players mentally. | Jaecob Duran, exercise physiology freshman
“I like being involved with the Maniacs because I like football and supporting my home team. If you like football or sporting events in general, you should definitely join the Maniacs. If you’re an extrovert, I recommend joining.” | Kaelen Powless, radiology junior
Matthew James Hubbard and Tanner Conley and other members of the Maniacs at the Midwestern State football game, Aug. 31, 2017, against Quincy, Illinois. MWSU won 53-6 in the season opener. Photo by Bradley Wilson
Matthew James Hubbard and Tanner Conley and other members of the Maniacs at the Midwestern State football game, Aug. 31, 2017, against Quincy, Illinois. MWSU won 53-6 in the season opener. Photo by Bradley Wilson
Matthew James Hubbard and Tanner Conley and other members of the Maniacs at the Midwestern State football game, Aug. 31, 2017, against Quincy, Illinois. MWSU won 53-6 in the season opener. Photo by Bradley Wilson
Matthew James Hubbard at the Midwestern State football game, Aug. 31, 2017, against Quincy, Illinois. MWSU won 53-6 in the season opener. Photo by Bradley Wilson
Matthew James Hubbard at the Midwestern State football game, Aug. 31, 2017, against Quincy, Illinois. MWSU won 53-6 in the season opener. Photo by Bradley Wilson
Matthew James Hubbard at the Midwestern State football game, Aug. 31, 2017, against Quincy, Illinois. MWSU won 53-6 in the season opener. Photo by Bradley Wilson
at the Midwestern State football game, Aug. 31, 2017, against Quincy, Illinois. MWSU won 53-6 in the season opener. Photo by Bradley Wilson
at the Midwestern State football game, Aug. 31, 2017, against Quincy, Illinois. MWSU won 53-6 in the season opener. Photo by Bradley Wilson
at the Midwestern State football game, Aug. 31, 2017, against Quincy, Illinois. MWSU won 53-6 in the season opener. Photo by Bradley Wilson
Matthew James Hubbard and Tanner Conley at the Midwestern State football game, Aug. 31, 2017, against Quincy, Illinois. MWSU won 53-6 in the season opener. Photo by Bradley Wilson
Matthew James Hubbard and Tanner Conley at the Midwestern State football game, Aug. 31, 2017, against Quincy, Illinois. MWSU won 53-6 in the season opener. Photo by Bradley Wilson
Matthew James Hubbard and Tanner Conley at the Midwestern State football game, Aug. 31, 2017, against Quincy, Illinois. MWSU won 53-6 in the season opener. Photo by Bradley Wilson
at the Midwestern State football game, Aug. 31, 2017, against Quincy, Illinois. MWSU won 53-6 in the season opener. Photo by Bradley Wilson
at the Midwestern State football game, Aug. 31, 2017, against Quincy, Illinois. MWSU won 53-6 in the season opener. Photo by Bradley Wilson
at the Midwestern State football game, Aug. 31, 2017, against Quincy, Illinois. MWSU won 53-6 in the season opener. Photo by Bradley Wilson
at the Midwestern State football game, Aug. 31, 2017, against Quincy, Illinois. MWSU won 53-6 in the season opener. Photo by Bradley Wilson
at the Midwestern State football game, Aug. 31, 2017, against Quincy, Illinois. MWSU won 53-6 in the season opener. Photo by Bradley Wilson
at the Midwestern State football game, Aug. 31, 2017, against Quincy, Illinois. MWSU won 53-6 in the season opener. Photo by Bradley Wilson
