Gael Force Spotlight

Image c/o @smcgaels on Instagram

By Isabella Wynn
Visiting Columnist

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Basketball season is in full swing and the Gael’s are gearing up for some of the most exciting games of the season. Our spirited Gael Force executives are looking forward to a jam-packed semester. In asking Gael Force President Stefano Costa and Treasurer RJ Dore some questions, I gained some insight on the inner workings of Gael Force and what students can expect from this semester’s sporting events.

Stefano and RJ are both very passionate about school spirit and sports. RJ shared with me that he enjoys how being a Gael Force executive “provides a challenge” while Stefano simply enjoys getting “people excited about sporting events on campus.” Both of them, along with the rest of their team, put in a lot of work to plan events. From tailgates to watch parties, Gael Force represents Saint Mary’s passion for competitive sports. Being in the student section at basketball games is electric. Stefano and RJ both shared that their favorite cheer is “easily the ‘Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi,’ which [is done] when one of our players from Australia hits a 3-pointer or has a dunk.” Stefano recognizes that other students also love this cheer, saying, “it's one that I think the whole arena loves to do…the whole [crowd] was doing it the other day when Ducas hit that half-court buzzer-beater.” SMC’s energy is high this season and we can thank Gael Force for keeping Saint Mary’s spirited culture alive.

Some people might be wondering how they can become a part of Gael Force. Stefano and RJ shared two different ways students can become part of Gael Force. First, every Saint Mary’s student is eligible to “sign up using the link in [their] Instagram bio, @smc_gaelforce and [students] pay a one-time fee that covers [them] for all [school] years” (Stefano Costa). 

Unfortunately, Saint Mary’s will be saying goodbye to many Gael Force executives this year as many of their members are graduating seniors. However, that fortunately means that a second way students can get involved with Gael Force is applying to be an executive. Each year signups and interviews are held for executive positions on Gael Force. RJ stated that he and his fellow seniors want to leave Gael Force in “good hands with people that will put in the work to try and bring this community of students together.” If you're passionate about sports at Saint Marys and school spirit, keep an eye out for these future opportunities.

This Gael Force Exec Team wants to leave behind a legacy. In doing so, they hope that future Saint Mary’s students will be just as spirited as they are. However, being on Gael Force is not simply an easy, fun job. I asked both Stefano and RJ to rate the average SMC student section and provide any advice they have to give regarding attendance and behavior at sporting events. Stefano rated our student sections a 10/10, stating that especially during tougher WCC competition “the crowd gets into it and you can feel the bleachers shaking.” RJ on the other had was a bit of a tougher rater, giving SMC a 7/10. He shared that “there is always room for improvement. If you go to a game [Gael Force] almost expects you to be loud and be a part of the crowd instead of just sitting there. We want everyone to be excited about Saint Mary’s sports and it brings down the spirit when not everyone is involved.” 

Gael Force is not only responsible for leading the energy of the student section but they are also responsible for the behavior of students. As our spirit leaders they want students “to be as loud as possible and to have fun, but without going too overboard” (RJ Dore). It is important to remember to “play it cool and trust the team playing is gonna get the job done no matter what” (Stefano Costa). The student section can't control what is going on on the court or the field–we simply need to commit to bringing great, competitive energy to games and being good sports at the same time.

So what does Gael Force have in store for us next? Fortunately, here are some hints as to what we can look forward to this semester. Some of you might remember Gerald the Party Giraffe, RJ shared with me that “there have been talks about him making an appearance. If the people want Gerald out there, I think we can bring him out of hiatus for the end of the year and even the postseason.” If the masses want Gerald, Gael Force might just give us that. Stefano also mentioned that “this year we are bussing 50 students out to Las Vegas for the WCC tournament which is something we haven't done in a long time; it'll be good to support the team all the way out there.” In addition to a potential Gerald appearance and a Las Vegas trip this spring, we also have the highly anticipated SMC vs. Gonzaga Men’s Basketball game coming up. The boys didn't want to give too much away, however you all should know that they will be hosting a tailgate in the 1928 Pub and Dryden Hall to look forward to on March 2nd. Stefano also hinted towards some “signature drinks inspired by some fan-favorite players.” The Gael’s have won home games vs. Gonzaga the past two years and odds are looking good again this year. Our boys took home a win against Gonzaga in Spokane on February 3rd and “it's on us to help out the team come away with a W to end the season” (RJ Dore). 

It’s been a great year so far Gaels, let’s keep bringing the energy for the rest of the spring semester to help our teams close out their seasons successfully. Get excited. Get ready. Remember to have fun, cheer loud, and represent Saint Mary’s the best you can. Go Gaels!