“Battle of the Bronx” refers to the annual basketball game against Fordham
University, MU’s neighborhood rival.
BRENDEN WILLSCH / COURTESY
Zeke Jazwinski, Sports Editor
Manhattan University’s (MU) sports coverage usually comes from the athletes’ or coaches’ perspectives – in this article; however, The Quadrangle sought out the students’ perspectives on what they think of the sports teams.
Though the academic year has just begun, MU athletics have already started in full swing. Jaspers golf and cross country have made appearances in tournaments already, and both soccer teams are in the midst of their season, playing numerous home games.
Freshman communication major Kieran Gausman spoke to The Quadrangle about his first impressions on the school’s teams.
“I’ve only been here for a couple weeks,” Gausman said, “But I’ve been able to go to a couple soccer games. It’s exciting to watch them play, and it gives you something to do.”
Gausman went on to talk about what sports he’s most looking forward to.
“I’m definitely excited for basketball season,” Gausman said. “I’ve seen a couple clips online of Manhattan Madness, so I’m looking forward to that.”
Manhattan Madness is MU’s “pep rally” for the university’s basketball teams. Typically held towards the end of October, right before their seasons begin, the event introduces the teams’ rosters in a night full of music and campus energy.
KAYLEE STOWELL / COURTESY
Like Gausman, freshman Liam Cashin named Manhattan Madness as one event he’s planning on attending.
“I would definitely say Manhattan Madness,” Cashin said. “My cousin went to Manhattan, and he mentioned that that’s something to definitely go to, so I’m looking forward to that.”
Cashin also mentioned his plans to attend the Battle of the Bronx, MU’s annual basketball game against non-conference rival Fordham University. Battle of the Bronx and Manhattan Madness are MU’s two biggest sporting events every year, drawing more student attendees than any other game on campus.
Ethan Rosa, a junior finance major at the school, transferred to MU from Florida State University last year. For Rosa, coming from a bigger school and attending a smaller university revealed some differences between the two.
“It’s definitely different,” Rosa said. “For example, at Florida State, we had a football team, but having a smaller school definitely has its advantages.”
Rosa explained to The Quadrangle what those advantages were for a small school like MU, compared to a school like Florida State.
“Smaller schools tend to have more of a community feel to it,” Rosa said. “At a bigger school, you don’t have a chance to know the players, but here there’s a good chance you’ll have class with one, and it creates more of a reason to support.”
With the addition of two new Division 1 level sports teams this year, the MU athletics schedule is more packed than ever before, and students are sharing classes with more athletes than ever before. To stay updated with any team’s competition schedule for the upcoming year, including home meets, visit gojaspers.com.