The University of Tennessee at Martin has a new campus organization this year known as ‘Orange and Blue Crew.’ The student organization rapidly began expanding the involvement on campus as they have done interest booths in the University Center and have started representing UT Martin at games, such as the UT Martin versus Tennessee State University (TSU) game on Sept. 30th, 2023.
The purpose of ‘Orange and Blue Crew’ is to have a guaranteed student section at sporting events on behalf of UT Martin. This can include bigger sporting events such as football and basketball home games, and also begin advocating for student support and school spirit at other events and intramural sports.
Speaking on behalf of ‘Orange and Blue Crew’, freshman Reyna Joyner was given the opportunity to explain the significance of the student organization and why it is important for campus students to become involved.
“‘Orange and Blue Crew’ is basically a student involvement club,” she stated. “Our mission is really simple; we want to support our Skyhawk Athletics in every way we can. We want to get UTM students out of their dorm, make them involved…”
When asked about the importance of ‘Orange and Blue Crew’ for students, she explained, “…As a club, we noticed that our teams are actually amazing and not enough people give their attention towards our athletes. We want to change that.” She explained that while hosting a booth in the University Center, a group of football players approached her table and showed their gratitude for the outreach on campus. “They all genuinely seemed like they appreciated our support,” she concluded.
As a member of ‘Orange and Blue Crew’, Joyner has much more involvement on campus than a typical freshman. “My role [in ‘Orange and Blue Crew’] is crazy actually, and I enjoy it more than anything. I’m the Captain of the Orange and Blue Crew.” Joyner has been asked before about her age and involvement with this, especially when people believe she may not have enough experience being new to UT Martin. She acknowledges while she may not have the most experience, that barrier does not compress her school spirit.
“I’m going to try my hardest to make this a club that l can be proud of as well as other students can be proud too. Our Co-Captain (Hope Hickman), Secretary (Chelsey Hinson), Reporter (Taylor Anthony), and Creative Director (Tiana Brooks) are all freshmen as well. We are a super new club, but we are going to change that. Students are going to know who the Orange and Blue Crew is and want to join us.”
Helping represent UT Martin takes a lot of responsibility, especially with student involvement. When asked how ‘Orange and Blue Crew’ will effectively support UT Martin and the athletics department, Joyner had this to say. “I want Orange and Blue Crew to be a club that is all-inclusive. I want everyone to feel like they can join this club and have fun… We want this club to be a loving, supportive place for everyone to feel good.”
The first informational meeting for the student organization was held on Monday, October 2 at 5:30 p.m. For more information, please see Captain Reyna Joyner.
