Student Reporter Captures Bulldog Game Day Spirit

                                                                                                                                                 By Adyson Saunders

The excitement of the Bulldogs’ first home game against Miles College could be felt throughout the stadium, from the roar of the crowd to the energy on the field. While fans watched the action from the stands, members of Student Publications had a different job: capturing the moments, people, and school spirit that made the night special.

For Lauryn Johnson, a junior in Student Publications, being behind the scenes for her first home game was an experience filled with excitement, memories, and plenty of Bulldog pride. “It feels great,” Johnson said. “I get to see all of these lovely people, especially the freshmen coming out and doing the Bulldog Blitz.”

For Johnson, watching the freshmen participate brought back memories of her own time as a freshman. She remembered being one of the students running across the field during the Bulldog Blitz, making it especially meaningful to now stand behind the camera and watch a new group of students experience that same tradition.

“It’s funny seeing it because I was definitely the one running across the field,” Johnson said. “So it’s good to see them actually doing that and being at the home game.”

But Johnson’s night was about much more than watching the game. As a member of Student Publications, she was on the move, working to capture the atmosphere and everything happening around the stadium.

From the band and student section to SAP, SGA, and other student organizations, Johnson and the Student Publications team worked to make sure the night was documented from every angle.

“Being in publications, it’s fun doing videos, making sure I’m capturing the band, student life, SAP, SGA, all that,” Johnson said.

That behind-the-scenes perspective allowed Johnson to experience the home game in a completely different way. Instead of simply watching the action, she was helping tell the story of the night — capturing the excitement, traditions, performances, and students who made the first home game memorable.

On the field, the Bulldogs gave the home crowd plenty to celebrate, finishing the night with a 38–23 victory over Miles College. The win brought even more excitement to an already energetic evening and gave Bulldog fans the perfect way to close out the first home game.

For Johnson, however, the biggest highlight was seeing the campus come together.

“It was just fun to see everyone here having fun and just enjoying the game,” she said.

As the Bulldogs continue their home-game season, students like Johnson will continue working behind the scenes to make sure these moments are not only experienced, but remembered. From the field to the stands and from the cameras to the crowd, the Bulldogs’ first home game against Miles College showed that Bulldog spirit is alive and well.

Adyson Saunders is a member of Crew 75, Alabama A&M University’s student creative content team.