The SNU student section is revamping and expanding to include attendance at more than just athletic events by bringing back a unique tradition: Bleacher Bums.
McKenna Franks, a senior health science major, serves as the student engagement SALT Lead. In this role, she coordinates the student section with the goal of increasing student attendance and interaction at artistic and athletic events on campus. Her goal is to make students feel seen and poured into. She encourages students to find community both within and beyond their team. As a student-athlete, Franks has seen the positive impact of crowd support and wants to give that to others. She expressed, “There is a separation between our athletes and musicians, and to close that gap is a big goal of ours, because everyone deserves to have support.”
At the 2026 Nazarene Student Leadership Conference, Franks and her team’s staff expert, Cooper Milford, began discussing how to revamp the SNU student section by working with other leaders from around the nation. They decided to bring back the tradition of Bleacher Bums, a squad of the most enthusiastic students who brought hype to SNU basketball games throughout the 1970s until 1982. Bums created entertainment and excitement around the games, each with their own unique nickname and matching outfits.
Long before he became a communication studies professor, Jim Smith was “Slim Jim,” one of the original Bleacher Bums during the 1981 basketball season. “During timeouts, Bleacher Bums would storm the court and perform skits or lead chants featuring anything from toilet seats to a robot dressed as the SNU mascot. The Bums were led by Professor Jennings, known to them as “Popsicle.” Smith conveyed, “[The Bums] drummed up a lot of excitement for students. It is a fond memory; we were always excited to see what they had planned.” He is excited that the group is coming back and remains hopeful about how it will drive student participation.
Current Bleacher Bum, president Alia Vunipola, is stoked to bring hype and school spirit to each event this year.
“We want to make sure everyone is engaged and having fun. Honing in on being hype and enjoying what is being served.” She is driven to support others in their sporting and performance endeavors just as God has supported her.
“I believe hype is a ministry and that is what we are all about. I am excited to see God work through the Student Section and create unity.”
After a short application and interview process, each Bleacher Bum is required to attend one game a week wearing crimson and white striped overalls. Each Bum receives a nickname, and after attending ten games, earns a hat customized with that name. The Bums get the crowd involved throughout the games through chants and halftime fun, while also supporting their fellow students by attending musical performances, design showcases, and musical concerts.
Student Engagement’s first event and Bleacher Bums’ first appearance since 1982 will be at the annual Storm Warning Tailgate before the season’s first football game. Each sports team is invited to celebrate their team, interact with other athletes, and dunk their coach in a dunk tank. Franks shared, “We don’t have to be the best team, but we can have the best support for the team. Good season or bad season, [Bleacher Bums] is going to support you”
Photo Credits: SNU Yearbook 1974-1975