Washington State University has the Zzu Crew. Gonzaga University has the Kennel Club. Oregon State University has the Beaver Dam. Clark College, as of this year, has the Penguin Posse.
The Penguin Posse, organized by club charterer Bryan Chau and assistant men's basketball coach Garet Studer, is a fan group for Clark College athletics aimed to get students more involved in various athletic events. For $5, members get a T-shirt, free admittance to all Clark College sporting events, entry into exclusive contests and a shot at a cash prize.
"We are trying to provide something that will get students excited," Studer said. "This was designed as being a fun and exciting way to get students more involved with their school while, at the same time, providing support to Penguin athletics."
Studer said the idea stemmed from the years he spent at WSU, from which the notorious fan group, Zzu Crew hails. However, unlike Zzu Crew, which is basketball-exclusive, Penguin Posse is for all sports.
Chau, who co-chartered this club and is a member of the Penguin Cheer Club, will be running the contests at basketball games during halftime.
For basketball games, there will be free-throw contests, half court shots for Blazer tickets, and "bump" contests, Studer said. The largest prize, $500 cash, will be awarded to the student who attends the most athletic events throughout the year.
"Les Schwab is providing the funding for the grand prize of $500," Studer said. "We are working with the bookstore and other local businesses that support Clark College to sponsor in-game contests."
Fliers have been distributed and posted in certain spots around campus, but the active recruiting has been done by Chau.
"I visit many areas on campus," Chau said. "I am always on active recruiting duty, handing out registration forms to many of my friends, sports fans and many students in my classes."
According to Studer, all students are encouraged to join. In addition to all of the regular students at Clark College, Running Start students are also welcome in the Posse. Students wearing their member shirts will be marked off on a roster when they arrive at the athletic events.
Coaches like the idea of the Penguin Posse. Men's basketball coach Mike Arnold has also helped his assistant coach out with the new club and he is in overwhelming support of the fan group.
"I am excited to provide another opportunity for the student body to be able to participate in the athletic program and support their fellow classmates," Arnold said.
The opportunities will begin when the Penguin Posse invades O'Connell Sports Complex for the first women's basketball game on Nov. 19 at 8 p.m.
Students who wish to join the group can pick up a flier from Marla Derrick in the athletic office in the O'Connell Sports Complex. Bryan Chau said he encourages those with questions about the Penguin Posse to contact him at Whizzkid101@msn.com.
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