Written By: Sahar Yousofi
On a chilly winter evening, the Marcus Pavilion was anything but cold. The Pav radiated warmth, energy, and school spirit as Saint Martin’s University hosted its much-anticipated annual ‘Pack the Pav’ event. The Pavilion roared with excitement, a long-standing campus tradition that celebrates the Saint’s spirit and unites the community in support of the university’s basketball teams. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members filled the stands, creating an atmosphere embodying Saint Martin’s pride.
Shannon Ketcham, Director of Campus Life, shared the significance of the event.
“Pack the Pav showcases the power of community spirit, bringing together the campus and the surrounding community to cheer on the South Sound’s only NCAA Division II basketball teams,” Ketcham said.
For years, ‘Pack the Pav’ has been a unifying force on campus, brightening the cold, dark winter months of the Pacific Northwest with a vibrant display of Saints pride. This year’s event featured the return of the popular pre-funk spirit event, ‘Warming up with the Saints,’ organized by the Athletics Department and sponsored by the Campus Activities Board (CAB). The Associated Students of Saint Martin’s University (ASSMU) also distributed free ‘Pack the Pav’ t-shirts to fans, adding to the sea of Saints gear in the stands.
According to Ketcham, the collaborative effort across campus made the event a resounding success. For Samantha Sharpes, ASSMU Senator of Arts & Sciences, this was her first time attending ‘Pack the Pav’.
“Getting to watch the players and meet up with students I don’t see every day has been my favorite part,” Sharpes said.
Sharpes emphasized the event’s importance in fostering school spirit.
“We are a small but mighty campus. Events like this bring us closer together and create a great feeling of community.”
Sharpes also noted room for growth, suggesting more crowd engagement during halftime to further enhance the experience. Despite this, she wholeheartedly recommended the event to fellow students, highlighting its ability to unite the campus community.
Dyson Lighthall, a forward on the men’s basketball team, expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans. “When the Marcus Pavilion erupts, it’s one of the best feelings in the entire world,” Lighthall said.
For Lighthall and his teammates, the energy of the crowd directly translates into confidence and motivation on the court. He also emphasized the deeper connection the event fosters between athletes and the broader university community.
“Seeing the community come together for this athletic event shows the unity and connection that our university has within neighborhoods in Lacey and Olympia,” Ligtall shared.
As the Saints community reflects on another successful ‘Pack the Pav’, Ketcham is already envisioning the future.
“We aim to continue building on the fun, spirit, and tradition of this event for years to come,” Ketcham said. “The positive feedback and the sight of fans decked out in Saints gear stand as a testament to the event’s impact,” Ketcham added.
Whether a first-time attendee or a seasoned supporter, ‘Pack the Pav’ remains a cherished tradition for all students that exemplifies the heart of Saint Martin’s University. From the pre-game festivities to the thrilling moments on the court, the event is a reminder of the strength and spirit of the Saints community. Attending the basketball games is a source of joy beyond the demands of studies and work life. With games scheduled at convenient times, it’s easy for students to show up and support SMU Athletics.
Events like ‘Pack the Pav’ kickstart the season and provide an opportunity to learn more about the incredible athletes and their journey. The overwhelming success of this year’s event sets the stage for even greater celebrations in the future. Here’s to cheering on the Saints and wishing both the men’s and women’s teams every success on their journey to the top. Let’s keep the Saints Spirit alive!
The Belltower 