Welcome to the Asylum. They might be called maniacs but to many they are the devoted leaders of Cal Poly fans. Formerly known as the Running Thunder, Mustang Maniacs are a student athletic spirit club actively involved in all the home games and various away games and are notorious for their love for Cal Poly athletics.
The group already has a filled road trip to UC Davis on Oct.13 where the Maniacs will cheer on the Cal Poly football team to fight to keep the infamous horseshoe prize.
“We are already getting a lot of interest, we are getting better as a group and there are more and more freshmen wanting to get involved,” said business junior and Mustang Maniacs publicist Randolph Garcia.
More than half of the students attending are freshman, and the road trip has more than 40 students on a waiting list. The students paid $25 to cover the cost of the hotel, game and bus.
“Every student that steps on campus is a Mustang Maniac,” Mustang Maniacs Advisor, Shawn Russell said. “They are a part of this campus and we’re excited to have them as fans and members of the campus community. Without the student body the event just wouldn’t have the same energy.”
With a new year ahead, the Mustang Maniacs have a lot of potential and are looking forward to huge attendances at games and good attitudes.
“This year will be a lot different from past years; it will be a lot more organized,” said agriculture business junior and Mustang Maniacs president Kristen Spencer. “We really would like the students to come to the games and be loud and energetic with us.”
Being part of the Mustang Maniacs allows students to meet new people while watching sports along with taking part in various activities such as lighting the P after victories, running the flag and ringing the bell at Cal Poly’s games, along with leading the crowds with their energetic attitudes. Mustang Maniacs will also be doing various community service projects along with adding “Go Green! Games” for each sport where the Maniacs will be offering food and drinks for students an hour prior to the game, first come, first serve.
Russell believes the Maniacs will have a very successful year saying, “The group and governing board of the Maniacs will be very proactive in reaching out to more students on campus by making them aware of home events, how they can get involved, and insuring the events have a great atmosphere and are exciting and fun for all those in attendance.”
The 15-plus member board will be holding a general meeting where students can learn more about the group and take time to share ideas, questions, information and even win spirit items.
The Mustang Maniacs will be busy this weekend at Friday’s “Beat the Beach” game where the Cal Poly’s women’s volleyball team will be hosting the 3-time NCAA champions at 7 p.m. in Mott Gym and Saturday’s football game where Cal Poly will be hosting undefeated NCAA Division II Independent Western Oregon (3-0), kicking off in Alex G. Spanos Stadium at 6:05 p.m.