What's in a name

"Boiler Bullies." "Boiler Buddies." "Boiler Room." "Keady's Crazies." "Keady's Crew." "Mackey's Wackey's." "Mackey Maniacs." "Mackey Mob." The list goes on.

These are just a few of the names I have both seen in chat rooms (Gold and Black Illustrated's men's basketball chat room has quite a debate going on) and heard via word of mouth since we reported more than a week ago that the promotions department, in coordination with the John Purdue Club, was going to be putting the burden of naming Mackey Arena's new student section on those who will be sitting there.

Quite creative, thus far, I must admit. But, this is just the beginning.

My personal favorite thus far, as promotions director Lori Frost mentioned she heard somewhere, was the "Gene Pool."

Gene pool, how catchy. It's got the great coach Keady's first name and is a reference to Purdue's quality science programs.

Or how about a railroad theme for a different route (pun intended)?

"The Crossing" (for railroad crossing). Or, even better, just, "The Depot." Whatever, just keep it simple (sure, some intoxicated people contributed to this list of possible names). Secondly, and more importantly, is to be original. No one wants a name that rips off someone else's. "Keady's Crazies" gets awfully close to crossing those tracks considering Duke's semi-famous student fan base is known as the "Cameron Crazies."

The only hope I have is that whatever name is selected is free of Wisconsin cheesiness.

What I do look forward to seeing is the student population becoming involved in the selection process. I know that there are some creative souls residing on this campus and I hope that the Purdue promotions department receives an obscene amount of interesting names to choose from.

This is a project that the students should take pride in. If the student section ends up with a tacky tag, you will have no one to blame but yourselves. And unlike voting for the president of the United States, where Florida showed us how not to elect a president, this system is set up to work for the students.

Frost said when the time approaches, she will head up forming a name-selection committee.

I'm sure that there are those of you conspiracy theorists (I have some on my staff) that think it doesn't matter what names are suggested by the student body, the promotions department will call it whatever they want.

Frost assured me that with the committee, the selection of the name will be a Purdue community decision and will be done fairly.

Well, lets say we've got a name, now what?

One thing I can attest to is that it takes more than a clever name for a seating section to be considered super fans.

I have been to the Breslin Center in East Lansing to witness the Spartans spank the Boilermakers. I have observed, with fright, the disturbing wave of matching white T-shirts prevalent in the "Izzone." I can attest to the intimidation and pressure they provide to opposing players.

Those are fans, and they have some big banners hanging from the rafters to back it up. They felt like an integral part of their time obtaining greatness; bringing home college basketballs highest prize.

At this point, the only thing that the Purdue fan has in common with the insane "Izzone" gang is how they choose to celebrate — in victory or defeat — burning, breaking and bedlam.

But as far as being a fan base that can really affect a game, Boilermaker hoops' fans need to discover the dedication.

Keith Thomas is a senior in the School of Liberal Arts.

What's in a name

Does a 10-foot cylinder spell safety

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