Fans drum up crowd morale

There’s something missing from UNM men’s soccer games, and it’s not the rowdy fans or Louie Lobo.

It’s the UNM marching band. While the band plays at football and basketball games, soccer is left to find its own entertainment.

Marshall Henrie, the leader of the local West Side Drum Circle, said that’s where they come in to help.

“Soccer tends to be left out,” he said. “So the soccer organization got with us as a more flexible option for more spirit during the soccer games.”

This will be the West Side Drum Circle’s second year at the men’s soccer games, with drummers Henrie, Amanda Allen, Bruce Warran, David Sicneros, and Gary Eilar leading the way.

“We were contacted by the University, as they have had other groups in the past, and we were accessible at the time,” Henrie said. “It was something we love to do. It is a very liberating experience going out and playing while the game is going on.”

With the drum circle beating its heart out, players, like Lawerence Robledo, said they admire the support not just from the circle, but the entire Lobo nation.

“They are all great, and it makes a great atmosphere — not just them, but all the fans,” midfielder Robledo said. “They really make this a special place to play.”

Sophomore midfielder Giovanni Rollie said the drummers add to the atmosphere at the games.

“The fans are one of the big reasons why I chose to come here (UNM),” he said. “There are very few college teams with support like this.”

The drum circle said they hope the music gives players a boost during the game.

“It’s so much fun when they are going down there to score and we pick up the rhythm and give them good energy for the game — that’s what I hope for,” Warran said.

PQ: “It’s so much fun when they are going down there to score and we pick up the rhythm and gives them good energy for the game — that’s what I hope for.” -Bruce Warran.