Raider Spirit: Highlighting the Teams Behind the Game

On game days at the Nutter Center, the Wright State University (WSU) pep band, dance team and cheer team add excitement to the game day experience with skills and routines prepared for the fans' entertainment, providing these from the moment fans find their seats to the second the time clock runs out.

During most basketball games, as well as occasional volleyball games and other sports, these student performers are putting on a show to make sure these games never go still. With high energy chants and tone-setting music, there is always something happening with the Raiders.

Student performers spend days and many hours practicing so they can give fans the best performances possible and shape their experience.

Dance major at WSU and member of the dance team, Bri Chan explained the work they do to put on a great show.

“Even though we’re a club sport, we train and perform at a Division One level. On top of being [Division One] athletes, we’re also full‑time students, and many of us balance jobs as well. We’re human, and we work incredibly hard for what we want. Every performance you see comes from hours of practice, commitment, and passion for representing our school the best we can,” Chan said.

Bass guitar player and member of the pep band, Imani Williams talked about her love for what she does.

“I have been in the WSU Raider Pep Band since 2021 and have experienced more game days than I can remember. But somehow, it never gets old! I have the best time playing alongside such talented musicians. I love being able to help cultivate a joyful and lively atmosphere for attendees. Music truly connects us all, and it means so much to me to see students and fans resonate with our music, whether that’s bopping their head to the beat, dancing or singing,” Williams said.

Performers strive for fans' reactions, according to Williams. These additions to the game day can give a feeling of a true college game day and help keep it exciting. Some fans come to games for the band or the dance and cheer teams specifically.

Troy Straughn, a music education major and band member, talked about what he thinks shapes a game day.

“Pep bands are usually the loudest thing in the games, even if it’s a small group. So, it’s nice to have them to get the crowd excited and hype with some loud band tunes. Blasting tunes in the Nutter Center is always a good time. It’s also great when the dance [team], cheer [team] and fans get into the songs,” Straughn said.

Music, dancing and cheering are all factors to a WSU basketball game day and the work they put in impacts the surrounding atmosphere.