Bakersfield, Calif. The Spirit Squads brought the energy during the annual Rowdy Run at the women's soccer match on Thursday, Aug. 28, helping officially welcome new students to campus with one of CSU Bakersfield's most spirited traditions.

Rowdy Run, held each fall, serves as an annual rite of passage for freshmen and first-time students, creating a lively atmosphere to kick off the semester. Thursday's event featured a packed crowd of students, student clubs, campus departments and fans. In addition to action on the field, the Big Blue Rowdy Crew pep band provided entertainment from the stands.

Throughout the match, the Spirit Squads made up of Cheer, Dance and Rowdy the Mascot kept the energy high with sideline chants, crowd-engagement cheers and performances that featured basket tosses, sideline dances and elite-level pyramids, all earning loud applause from the audience.

"I thought this year's Rowdy Run was one of the best we have had in years, not only because of our Spirit Squads and the dominant performance by our women's soccer team, but because of the energy from the fans," said Arthur Smith, head cheerleading coach.

For dance team head coach Cortland Witt, the evening carried special meaning as her first official event since being named head coach in July.
"I have to say I was proud of the ladies and how they performed, and that I am a true Roadrunner fan now," Witt said.

The Spirit Squads will return to the main soccer field for Vivas Los Runners during the men's soccer match on Oct. 15.