CSU's Dome Squad Takes Fan Support to New Level

CHARLESTON, S.C. - In 2010, ten freshmen decided to take their support for CSU’s Athletic teams to another level. The students felt the atmosphere at games was lacking. Shortly thereafter the “Dome Squad” was created. The Dome Squad members come and cheer all Volleyball and Men’s and Women’s Basketball Games. The 2010-11 season’s for Volleyball and Men’s and Women’s Basketball saw an increase in attendance and student support.

The 2011-12 looks to be even brighter the Dome Squad and has included many early successes. The student-led spirit group now has a sponsor, Raising Cane’s, and includes many other benefits. All Dome Squad members now receive (2) t-shirts and catered meal courtesy of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers. During the Dome Squad’s first official year, their presence has been widely recognized by students and CSU Administration.

CSU Volleyball saw a drastic increase in attendance and support during the 2011 season. The Dome Squad was present at every home game and shouted their various chants that learned with the team. The Dome Squad has done their part to make the Buc Dome one of the most intimidating places to play Volleyball in the Big South. Senior Volleyball Player Amy Nokes had this to say about the Dome Squad “Thank you Dome Squad for making these last two years memorable. You guys are great fans and all of us are so thankful for you. You helped the team out tremendously with all your support and dedication! You guys rock!”

Members of the Dome Squad feel the group is an essential part of the game atmosphere. BJ Catoe one of the founding members of the Dome Squad enjoys being part of the group. “I’m part of the Dome Squad because students who represent our University deserve our support. They put in countless hours to prepare to win and the least we can do as students is provide them with true home court advantage. Dome Squad Member Jeremy Simmons also believes in the importance of this student-led spirit group. “I wanted to be involved with a group of guys who are fanatical about sports as I am and to create a difficult environment for visiting teams to play in.

As the Dome Squad began to make preparations for the 2011-12 basketball seasons, ideas of how to expand the group and invent new cheers began to flourish. The group researched chants and cheers from schools like Utah State and Wisconsin. Head Men’s Basketball Coach Barclay Radebaugh and Women’s Basketball Head Coach Julie Goodenough both expressed the importance of a “packed Buc Dome” for games. The first half the 2011-12 season has seen big crowds and lots of action. The Women’s Basketball team started off the season with a thrilling win against Furman and the Men’s Basketball team has picked it up from there. The Men’s Basketball games vs. Stetson and Radford took the noise level in the Buc Dome to new heights. The Dome Squad’s initiative to lead the crowd with cheers was able to help drive the Men’s Basketball Team on to victory. The December 1st Game against Radford featured a “Silent Night Game” in which no cheered until the team scored 10 points. The Dome Squad once again took the lead by jumping up and down and tossing streamers in the air as Charleston Southern scored its 10th point. The Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams still remain undefeated at home to date.

As a special thank you to the Dome Squad, Coach Radebaugh invited the entire group over to his house for dinner. The guys enjoyed spaghetti and a few thrilling games of Catch Phrase. “Hope and I had really fun time hosting the Dome Squad for an exam break dinner” Coach Radebaugh said. “That is a fun group of students. College athletics is not only for the student athletes but the entire campus community. The students in the Dome Squad have really grasped that concept. They are having a ton of fun, enjoying their college experience, and really adding to the atmosphere at our home games. Every student should be a part of the Dome Squad. Bryant Davis has done a terrific job growing the Dome Squad and building student athletic participation. I appreciate him.”