In each issue of Scholium, Connor Martin ‘14 presents his distinctive take on all things EA sports in his column: Connor’s Corner.
The Thunderdome at EA is the personification of school spirit. No other area school student section has the passion and pride that our Episcopal Academy students exhibit on a weekly basis. Whether it is out on the football bleachers, in the basketball gym, or out on the fields in the spring, the Thunderdome’s supporters continue to rise to the occasion time and time again in support of their fellow student athletes. There has been an obvious transformation in all EA athletic teams and the surrounding support system of school spirit deserves some of the credit. Junior basketball guard Chris McNeal certainly appreciates their support stating, “They really raise the energy and intensity in the gym and they are a huge part of our success so far. We truly couldn’t do it without them.”
The “Thunderdome” originated with the graduating class of 2010, but the tradition has continued for the past several years and is expected to continue well into the future. It has become a rarity over the past several years where the student body has not come out in full force to cheer on their classmates during a Friday night game. The Thunderdome has really brought together our upper school, from every young freshman to every graduating senior. Carrying over the momentum from the undefeated championship football season, dozens and dozens of students have come out to support both the boys’ and girls’ basketball home openers. They bring noise, excitement, and encouragement that is truly second to none. The yelling, screaming, and chanting give our athletes that extra boost of adrenaline that has proved to be the difference between wins and losses.
Although the group’s focus tends to be on football and basketball, student and faculty support for all other teams so far this year has been nothing short of incredible. Nothing means more to student athletes at EA than seeing their best friend, their English teacher, kids from their homeroom, or even young middle schoolers come out and show their appreciation for EA athletics. Realistically, not all of these EA athletes will pursue athletic endeavors in their next four years at the college level, so these events are their some of their last competitive games ever. Therefore, the enthusiastic environment that the Thunderdome brings to these vital athletic events provides our students with memories that will last them a lifetime.
Although the primary beneficiaries of the Thunderdome are the athletes participating in the event, the fans themselves look forward to the games with great anticipation as well. Moose Recktenwald ’14 declares, “Sometimes I feel as though I am more excited for the football and basketball games than the players themselves. The Thunderdome gives us students a chance to enjoy and display our school spirit in a unique atmosphere.”
Although it’s a good chance to break away from the typical routine of the school week, our students almost always conduct themselves in a respectable manner that represents our school well. Perhaps the most memorable moment to date was the football team’s Friday night away game at Malvern in October. As a school, we organized to have three buses sent over for the primetime game. With over two hundred kids attending in the Thunderdome, our student support was much superior to Malvern’s and the football game captured their biggest win in a number of years, 26-7.
As the school year continues and more prime-time games appear on the schedule, make your way out to a basketball game, a wrestling match, or a lacrosse game and take part in the enthusiastic Thunderdome. Help keep the tradition going and take part in the best student section in the area.

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