Men's basketball fan procedures

Recently, I have been so excited for basketball season

that I almost got swept up in the "whether the basketball team should wear Nike or not" debate. But more importantly the regular season starts this Friday and

it occurred to me that there are some newcomers to the

spectacle that is Xavier basketball. This brief column is an

attempt to limit the early season mistakes new fans have while attending men's basketball games. Xavier plays Morgan State this Friday and if last year serves as any indicator, we will have a few mishaps in the student section.

There was mass confusion over cheers, uncertainty over

whether to heckle the opposition and a general ignorance for Cintas Center rules. So, here are some guidelines for cheering this season:

•Be loud. Not long ago, Xavier's student section for men's basketball was rated #3 in the nation by EA Sports. It's all

about being loud, jumping up and down and creating an intimidating environment for opposing teams.

•Don't know the cheers? That's fine. To be honest, they are fairly idiot-proof. If you do not know the cheers, hold off, listen to the rowdy kids in the front row and join in the next time. Rest assured, the maniacs in the front row will yell

out the cheers so there's no confusion.

•Speaking of people in the front row, cede authority to them. If you are not going to be loud or are a first timer, allow those who know what they're doing to get to the front and do what they do best. I've seen the kids in the front row…they're a special breed.

•Do not say "suck" upon pain of death. For some reason, the officials at Cintas Center have deemed the word to be grounds for removal. There is a certain cheer that begins when a player on the opposing team commits a foul, involving the word "suck." Instead of saying, "you suck,"

it is permissible to say, "you fouled," or "you stink." Be forewarned, if you say "suck," they will come and find you.

•Want to paint up? Please do. Painting yourself for a Xavier

basketball game is a fantastic experience, and while you may require a 45-minute shower to scrub the paint off, it is totally worth it. If you would like to paint up, get to the game at least two hours early and talk to the guys at the front of the

line. They'll provide you with paint and assist you in the sacred customs of painting and cheering in the front

row. Behold, fellow Musketeers, basketball season is

upon us. Scream your heart out and prepare for what is sure to be a magical season. I hope to see you Friday.