From Orland Park to Lawrence, Kan., back to Charleston, graduate student Abby St. John saw something in particular at Eastern athletic events needed some help: the student section.
When St. John started athletic events such as basketball, football, volleyball, etc., she noticed attendance was low and there was a need for students to be involved in some way.
This was the beginning of her working proactively to ensure there was a student section presence at Eastern.
The journey to the success of the student section is more complex than one may think.
St. John begins her day by logging into the EIU student section’s Instagram (@eiustudentsection) and makes sure that any sporting events and updates are posted and reposted.
She then reaches out to other student section leaders (Will Redden, Jayda Jensen, and Grace Hosey) about their responsibilities for the week and when needed, she will organize a team meeting to brainstorm, plan, and then execute what they will do for certain games.
In addition to all of this, St. John also works within the athletic department as a graduate assistant in marketing/promotions and is a full-time graduate student.
Even though it can be overwhelming at times, I love being a part of the student section and helping students enjoy their time here at EIU,” St. John said. “It is absolutely incredible to see student-athletes interact with non-student athletes interact with Greek life who then interact with other [registered student organizations] on campus. It is like we have come full circle in such a small amount of time.”
Student section leader and social media coordinator, Grace Hosey noted when events get busy, St. John is still making sure the student section is being heard.
“Although things get busy, Abby is always making sure all of our voices are being heard and doing everything in her power to make everything run smoothly,” Hosey said.
Since St. John started organizing the student section, its social media presence has grown, and they now do things like giveaways and a student section tailgate.
“In my four years of college, this year has been by far the best in terms of school spirit and encouragement within the students,” fellow student section leader and social media coordinator Jayda Jensen said. “They have and keep continuously coming together to make everything possible.”
The student athletes have also felt the impact of the student section, including some players on the football team.
“The student section has been great,” redshirt junior lineman Joel Barrows said. “They bring the energy we need in big moments. They have played an instrumental role in the success we’ve had this year.”
While the success of the student section is obvious, St. John is still looking towards the future.
“I would love for the student section to keep on going,” St. John said. “I hope we can have new leaders come the end of the year with as much excitement, dedication, and belief in such a way our leaders have now. Something had to change, and I can say with great confidence we are certainly headed in the right direction.”
Anna Hagan can be reached at 581-2812 or at densportsdesk@gmail.com.
