By: Naomi Spence, Staff Writer

Defense! Clap, clap, clap. Defense! Clap, clap, clap. The Marion student section roars as the opposing team takes the ball back down to our side of the court. Byron Fish stands front and center with Indian headdress mounted proudly on his head. The shouts and cheers grow louder as Marion takes the ball back to their side in an attempt to score back a lost point. Whether or not they won the game (which in all likelihood this season they probably did) one thing is for sure, Byron and his red nation are there to support. “Last year, when I played, I was really disappointed with the student section,” Byron recalls. “So I decided to take matters into my own hands.”

He got the idea to start Red Nation from Villanova University’s Nova Nation in Philadelphia. “I saw the T-shirt online and I just changed it from Nova to Red.” It has certainly help reel up more followers for Marion’s boys basketball team, and the student section as a whole is looking a lot fuller. “I think the student section is looking better than ever.” Byron exclaimed. “We’re having a lot more students come to the games and even some of the eighth graders and middle schoolers are getting involved so the future is looking up.”

As far as improving the student section Byron said, “The school as a whole needs to get rid of some of the negativity some people have towards sports and if possible have even more students come. As far as keeping the legacy of red nation going,” Byron said. “There are many good candidates, but Colin Burczek has some of the best school spirit here.” Plans for state include going all red. “Were just going to shut them down with red!” Byron exclaimed.

Indians, Indians what’s our cry? V.I.C.T.O.R.Y! The student section shouts back with Byron at the front, leading their nation.