On certain days in winter, a pack of rowdy college students in multi-colored wigs, feathered boas and foam body parts are seen throughout Creighton’s campus.

Some may wonder if Elton John is playing in the Kiewit Fitness Center. Others may be curious if Nobbie’s had an end-of-season sale.

But no – it’s just basketball season.

Last Sunday gave way to the beginning of the season with an exhibition game at the Qwest Center Omaha. Thousands of people showed up to cheer on the Jays, and our student section was no exception.

In all parts of the sports world, from professional football to ultimate frisbee, sporting events allow fans to take their pent up angst at life and express it in the form of team propaganda, violent fist pumps, public intoxication and obscene slurs.

In any other setting, these people would probably be sent to jail for obscene and violent behavior, but, hell, if Denny Hamlin beats Jimmy Johnson at the Daytona 500, feel free to punch a few people in the face and do a keg stand in the parking lot.

While Creighton is usually not as discriminatory or domestic abuse friendly as this obscure example, the mood at basketball games acts as a catalyst to drunken students and bursts of angry words.

In some instances, our student section is downright scary.

Students covered in body paint let out growls of fury, Braveheart-style. Every person in the section takes part in the cheers, yells as loudly as humanly possible and goes deaf for the rest of the day.

Students usually have to leave for the game at least an hour early to secure a spot in the partitioned section. With almost two people for every seat, Bluejay watchers cram into the section filled with noisemakers and banners. In most cases, you have to push yourself through.

Less prepared fans who show up only 15 minutes before the tip-off are guaranteed a seat in the nose-bleed section.

Some students ask themselves, what is so appealing about waving balloons in the air, dancing like a fool to get on the big screen, or paying seven dollars for a beer that will inevitably get spilled on the freshman in front of you?

It’s the experience.

If you haven’t felt the bond that is formed between fans that cheer for the same team at any sporting event, it is time that you do. Students are able to forget about unfinished papers, lack of money, or overheated dorms to come together for the common cause of yelling obscenities at the opposing team.

The atmosphere of any college sporting event has the crowd leaving with smudged face paint, sweaty game-day shirts, mustard stains from the spill of an overpriced hot dog and great memories.

Without the obnoxious yells, flamboyant outfits and the energy of Red Bull-fueled students stressing before finals, the section would feel more like an English 120 class going to an extra credit speaker on feminist symbols in Euripides’ Medea.

I’ll bring the kazoos if you supply adrenaline. Meet you at the game.