US News recently ranked Tulane University as No. 44 of national universities, No. 1 happiest students and No. 2 in service learning. As Tulane students, we understand that these rankings are not out of the ordinary as Tulane is constantly recognized for its rigorous academics and highly intelligent student body. Tulanians should take every opportunity they can to embrace the rich culture that New Orleans has to offer. 

The loyalty and faithfulness that the Louisiana residents show the New Orleans professional sports organizations is something to consider of the culture in this city. Arguably, there are very few other cities and states with a fanbase like the Saints and the LSU Tigers, and Louisiana residents take pride in that. If the students want to fully embrace New Orleans culture, they need to acknowledge and accredit the athletics programs at Tulane. Especially our Green Wave football team, who is now ranked No. 25 in the AP Top 25 Week 8 College Football Rankings.

The Tulane Green Wave Football team is having an extremely successful season after a triumphant win down in Tampa against the University of South Florida on Oct.15, making their record now 6-1. The team is now eligible for a bowl game at the end of the season. This is the fourth time in five years that they have become eligible for a bowl game — the first time ever in school history. 

The team’s performance has been nothing but stellar this season, however they need the support of Tulane students during this historical time. One of Tulane’s greatest student perks that is taken for granted is the free admittance into any home sporting event with a Splash Card. On the other hand, larger schools create raffles for their student body, only allowing students to attend a certain amount of games, if they even place in the raffle. Tulanians need to take advantage of the amazing perks offered by the university, especially when our school is ranked No. 25 in the nation. 

The atmosphere of a football Sunday rooting for the New Orleans Saints is always nothing short of thrilling. The Green Wave football Saturdays in New Orleans can be just as thrilling if all Tulanians devote their Saturdays to supporting the team in Yulman Stadium. 

Senior Andrew Gross is a student assistant for Tulane Sports Medicine and assists the athletic training staff in maintaining the health of players during games and practices. He attends almost all of the home and away games and works directly with the players during practices and on sidelines of games. Gross reflected on the ambiance of Yulman Stadium when the students have previously packed the stadium this season. 

“Working on the sidelines is an amazing experience. It’s awesome seeing the hard work that the players and staff put in come into action during the game. Fans are the ones that motivate the team to continue pushing throughout a game. Especially with our team this year, the atmosphere is absolutely amazing when students show out and bring energy for the team. If we can continue to grow our fan base and student interest in the team, I can foresee our team and program continuing on the same track it is going down now,” Gross said. 

Tulane students tend to argue that the school does not have a football culture as do other schools. However, this so-called “football culture” at other schools is maintained by dedicated fans simply and their love and loyalty to their team. Many of the students at Tulane lack passion about their teams and disregard the hard work and success of the football team with their inconsistent attendance. 

To show support, Tulane students should continue to attend all Green Wave sporting events, especially football games during such a tremendous season. The Green Wave are looking to up their record to 7-1 as they face off against the Memphis Tigers during Homecoming Weekend, Saturday, Oct. 22.