If you’ve attended any Colorado Mesa University sporting event, you’ve probably noticed hundreds of students sporting their HERD T-shirts around campus. The HERD T-shirts have been around for years. Up until a few years ago, they were just something that students could pick up by attending a sporting event on campus.
Three years ago, the college decided to turn the HERD into an official engagement group, modeled after other larger schools around the country, such as North Carolina, Michigan, Duke, and Texas. All of these schools have come up with a similar program that has been set up for students, to get more involvement and participation in and at athletic events.
For a small fee of $10 to sign up, you will receive your first HERD T-shirt. After signing up, students will begin to accumulate points for every athletic event they attend. Points are recorded by swiping your MavCard before entering. The more events that students attend, the more points they will receive, rewarding them with sweatshirts, sweatpants, shorts, and other great prizes for getting involved and supporting our athletes.
The HERD is currently in its third year, and is growing in size.
“The seniors are the only ones who would potentially not be hit with this, since the cheer squad has made it a point to spread the word as soon as you get on campus as a freshman,” Events Coordinator Jermaine Williams said. “Right now we’re at about 370 students. We’ve got roughly 2,000 students living on campus, and our goal is to have at least half the students involved. We’re pushing it as much as we can to try to enhance our game environment at events.”
Even though the HERD is growing, there are still students who may not be aware, or are unsure of where they can sign up. There hasn’t been much advertisement, other than by word of mouth, but the CMU cheer squad has been working hard to get more students involved.
Sophomore Katie Johnson and vice president of the HERD said she would like to see more student support.
“It’s a fun thing to do while you’re in college,” Johnson said. “I loved it when I was in high school, and I think it’s even better when you’re in college.”
Student admission is always free, but if you’re going to be attending athletic events, it would be in your best interest to become part of the HERD, so you can start earning points and free clothing.
If you are interested in signing up, look for a HERD table at the next sporting event you attend, or contact Jermaine Williams at 248-1879. You can also contact a member of the cheer squad to point you in the right direction.

nstimack@mavs.coloradomesa.edu