Top 10 Moments of 2013–2014: #10 Lancer Lunatics Win Naismith Student Section Award

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Longwood moved to 13–0 vs Liberty inside Willett Hall as Lancer Nation packed the house[/caption]

For the second consecutive year, the Lancer Lunatics claimed the title of Naismith Student Section of the Year in the Big South Conference. Since joining the conference in 2012, the Lancer Lunatics have set the tone as the best home court advantage across the Big South. The spirited bunch outshined other conference student sections through a public vote and the Naismith Board of Selectors.

There is no doubt the Lancer Lunatics do an exceptional job of protecting Willett Hall on game days in Farmville. The group played a key role in home contests versus Liberty and UNC Asheville just to name a couple. Head coach Jayson Gee and the Lunatics go hand in hand and do a fine job of feeding off of one another. Attending a game in Willett Hall was sensational during the 2013–2014 season and the Jayson Gee/Lancer Lunatics combo had a lot to do with that fact.

A large part of the group being on this year’s Top 10 Moments list can be attributed to what they did outside of Willett Hall. The group was instrumental in coordinating two road trips to in-state conference rivals: Radford and Liberty. Although both games ended in defeat for the Lancers, the Lunatics were engaged all throughout the game and really made an impression on television viewers, both fans and opponents alike.

At Radford, you could easily pick out the visiting Longwood fans mainly because they seemed to outnumber the home crowd. The Lunatics also brought along the usual signs and chants to go along with their undying sense of animosity for the Highlanders. They could be heard across the ESPN3 broadcast which proved to be valuable exposure for the vivacious cohort. Even before tip-off, the Lunatics were engaged on social media to help create buzz for the game.

Moving on to the visit to Lynchburg, the Lancer Lunatics embarrassed the hometown crowd as LFSN broadcasters spoke highly of the 100+ Longwood fans that made the trek to Liberty. The rowdy horde of Lancers easily overshadowed the few Flames fans in attendance. Armed with their chants, signs, rally towels, and a distinct hatred for the Liberty Flames, the Lancer Lunatics again amplified their exposure as the game was broadcasted on MASN and ESPN3.

There’s no doubt that the Lancer Lunatics deserve to be on this list. They have consistently showed incredible support for Longwood Athletics as a whole. Recognition will continue to grow as success comes. Kudos to Lancer Nation and we’re excited to see what the Lancer Lunatics have in store for 2014–2015.