(Note:  The following article about the UD spirit organization, Red Scare, was written by students Virginia Caesar, William Coughlin, John Kelly and Anthony Serventi for Dr. Haozhou Pu's Sports Media class last spring.)

DAYTON -- The University of Dayton offers students the opportunity to choose from over 260 clubs and organizations during their time on campus. However, few are as coveted as Red Scare. The organization is perhaps best known for its presence at UD men's basketball games, with some members showing up with their bodies painted in Chapel Blue and red and some in costume. Needless to say, Red Scare is a cornerstone of UD student culture, and the campus would not be the same without it. 

Because Red Scare is the largest student organization on campus, it is surely a safe bet to join for incoming students who want to get involved at UD. Members seldom have a regret or bad thought about joining the club, and it is clear to see in the community within the club. Senior Jacob Mantle reflects on his time in Red Scare, saying that being a member has been a huge part of his college career. Mantle chose to really throw himself into the organization and accepted multiple leadership positions such as an apprentice, volleyball chair, vice president of external communications, and even president. 

He says that when reflecting on his time in the organization, his favorite memory is "easily painting up blue and featured on ESPN's College GameDay that came to campus in March 2020." Mantle says that incoming students should consider joining Red Scare if they want to "be a part of the UD community that is passionate about UD sports", adding "If you're interested in free UD apparel, food, gift cards, and watching live sports, Red Scare is for you." Clearly, being a member of Red Scare changed Mantle's experience at UD. 

Junior Matthew Grzesiak has had a similar experience in Red Scare as Mantle. In just one year in the organization, he has served as Men's Soccer and Baseball chairs. He describes the organization as "the most energetic and fun club/team that I've ever been a part of." He agrees with Mantle in that Red Scare has positively impacted his college experience, sharing that many of his friends were made through the club as well as given him a unique leadership opportunity on campus. 

Grzesiak's favorite Red Scare memory was one particular soccer game. He says it was rainy and not the ideal spectator weather, but "the game was so exciting that [he] didn't care, and it totally ended up being worth it because when [they] scored the game winning goal, the entire team came over to the students and celebrated with us in a giant group hug… everyone was bouncing into each other and we ended up knocking down the little fence that all the students stand behind at midfield."

It's clear to see that Red Scare's members are proud to be a part of the organization. Junior and current president Katie Edwards says that Red Scare is "the best student section organization in the country!" She says that incoming students should join Red Scare "because what better way to show your love for Dayton then cheering for our teams! We make so many memories, watch cool moments in UD history, get free UD gear, and help our teams with the best home court/field advantage possible."

Many universities have their own version of a spirit club, but few do it like Red Scare. A hallmark of UD and revered by students and fans alike, the campus would not be the same without the club. 

If students are interested in getting involved in Red Scare, you can register on 1850 here.  If you have any question, please email redscare@udayton.edu

You can follow Red Scare on Instagram (thered_scare), Twitter (@red_scare) and Threads (@thered_scare).