[ e.Peak ] [ Sports ]
[ Simon Fraser University's Independent Student Newspaper Since 1965 - Online Since 1994 ]
Home
About
Masthead
Et Cetera
Archives
Contact
Links
Search
4, vol 110 -- February 4, 2002

It's comfy and cool, but it's not a skirt!
Rich Sagan, The Peak

This single piece of fabric has been the symbol of the Highlanders dating back to early 1700s. The Scottish have used tartan patterns for centuries to identify the clan, family or regiment with which the wearer is associated. Philabeg, which is its older Gaelic name, has struggled and persisted through wars, attempts to outlaw its display in the late 18th century by the English, and even through the embarrassment of having to adorn Mel Gibson's body in Braveheart.

It's a kilt. So don't try and tell me it's a @*&#ing skirt.

A new movement is afloat that seeks to shake the walls of the Shrum complex. From the hollows of the WMX, the Classroom Complex, and the science wings, a group of students have unified to resurrect the tradition of the Highlanders. These students have come out full force in support of your SFU Clan.

The Highlanders have formed to cheer and back your men's and women's varsity teams with an excitement and enthusiasm unseen at SFU in years. With their proud tartan patterns and old basketball jerseys reminiscent of the legends that once sported them, these Highlanders bring a level of pandemonium to each game. These noble Highlanders are part of the Clan family and show their kinship through their unbridled support of your varsity teams.

The crowd that supports and attends the varsity games has even been surprised and delighted by the energy exuberated by these Highlanders. A group of fans was recently overheard loudly talking about one of the Highlanders even wearing a flashy red cape during a recent basketball game. Such tomfoolery as capes, a garbage can band, one very loud blow horn, and, of course, traditional SFU cheers is used by the Highlanders to entice and entertain the crowd.

The Highlanders', unlike past fans, who were called boring, dry and downright dull, have recently been so wild and uncontrollable that the opponents are dismay ed. The varsity events crew has even had to escort the odd fan out of the gym. At the basketball games on Friday night, the whole crowd was erupting to its feet as people in the stands were shouting and cheering while SFU quested for yet another victory.

Hopefully, this article has put to rest the controversy surrounding the kilts worn by the Highlanders. How could one even consider calling such a symbolic garment and fabric a skirt? This very notion seems preposterous.

So come and admire the kilts worn by the Highlanders on Friday night and support your No.1 undefeated women's basketball Team and the determined No. 10 men's basketball team as they take on the UBC Thunderbirds. This weekend's games are the last of the regular season for the basketball teams and are crucial in determining final playoff positioning.

And just remember ... it's not a skirt.

[ Back to issue 4 ] [ Send The Peak a comment on this story ]

The contents of The Peak are protected by copyright. For information on rights regarding specific articles (including reprinting, where applicable), please contact epeak@mail.peak.sfu.ca with the full URL of the content in question.