Silent Night: A Unique Tradition at Taylor University
In the realm of college sports, tradition is everything. Taylor University, a small NAIA school in Upland, Indiana, boasts a tradition unlike any other: Silent Night. This unique event has garnered national attention in recent years, drawing students, faculty, staff, and alumni together for a night of spirited, yet initially subdued, support for their men's basketball team.
The Origin and Evolution of Silent Night
The tradition began in the early 1990s, the brainchild of head coach Paul Patterson and an assistant, who sought to blend basketball, the anxieties of finals week, and the joy of Christmas. The concept was simple: maintain complete silence throughout the game until the Trojans score their tenth point.
A Night of Anticipation and Costumes
Students arrive at the game dressed in various costumes, adding to the event's festive atmosphere. From Waldo to Trojans and even gorillas chasing bananas, the creativity knows no bounds. Senior Gavin Yoon, a guard on the court and a management and marketing major off it, encapsulates the sentiment: "It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing."
As warm-ups conclude, the silence descends. The gym remains hushed through player introductions and the start of the game. According to Csakai, the only sounds are "the squeak of a shoe or the basketball" until that tenth point.
The Tenth Point Erupts the Crowd
The tension builds as Taylor approaches ten points. Once the tenth point is scored, the gym explodes in a cacophony of cheers. Students storm the court, releasing the pent-up excitement. "Once that tenth point is scored, we have the best home-court advantage," Coach Andrews said. "In the world, there's nowhere - anywhere, I don't care what sport it is that night - that has a better home-court advantage than we do."
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In recent years, junior Casey Coons has become synonymous with the tenth point, achieving the feat for three consecutive years. Whether it's a jump shot or a free throw, the result is the same: pandemonium.
Freshman Drew Flatford, who has attended numerous college and professional sporting events, attests to the unparalleled atmosphere: "It's one of the most electrifying places I've ever been at. This is the kind of atmosphere you love to be in."
The Silent Night Game - 2023
In the 2023 Silent Night game, the Trojans defeated the Great Lakes Christian Crusaders 103-65.
The Significance of Silence
The silence harkens back to the original "10th-point celebration," which began in 1997. It also symbolizes the calm of the Christmas carol "Silent Night," a nod to the university's evangelical roots and the quiet of Jesus's birth. Athletic Director Kyle Gould explained that it's "a little bit [of a play on] ‘no one talks for the first ten points,’” combined with singing ‘Silent Night,’ which, you know, we here [at Taylor] believe that is the reason for Christmas.”
Even before the game, the anticipation is palpable. "90 minutes before (Silent Night) starts there's 1,000 some-odd people," said Andrews.
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During the silence, students express their support by wiggling their fingers instead of clapping or cheering. Guard Kaden Fuhrmann notes the growing anticipation as the score increases: "Once you get to seventh, eighth, ninth point, you can just see the crowd getting ready. You can feel it."
A Tradition Rooted in Community
Silent Night is more than just a basketball game; it's a unifying experience for the Taylor University community. It's a chance for students to come together, de-stress before finals, and celebrate their school spirit.
Dalton Jones, a freshman in August 2022, exemplifies the dedication of Taylor students to this tradition. He camped out for hours to secure a good spot in the arena, even taking his tests in the KSAC (Kesler Student Activities Center). "Everybody there is super cool about it," Jones said. "I played cornhole, we played Mario Kart, we brought a Wii and a projector. We played Wii (Sports) bowling."
Betsy Teevens (‘18) aptly describes Silent Night as "one night. The time of year with the climax of classes before Christmas break."
Gould emphasizes the event's reflection of Taylor's values: "It is the truest picture of who Taylor's students are, and I think it's like the best night of the year where you can just look across the way and you just see all these students like just having fun like with their friends and just enjoying it."
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The Pressure and Excitement for Players
The excitement of Silent Night extends to the players, who recognize the game's significance for the school and its students. "Coach (Andrews) keeps reiterating that, you know, we're playing, but it's also the school's event, and it's been going on for a while and just honoring that and the students here," said Yoon.
Freshman Izaiah Day admitted feeling "a little overwhelmed and a little scared at first, but I think once I get my bearings under myself, I'll be okay. I'm really excited to be part of it."
The Grand Finale: Silent Night
As the game nears its end, students link arms and sing "Silent Night," a poignant conclusion to a night of controlled restraint and exuberant celebration. This final tradition underscores the university's Christian identity and provides a soothing yet energizing transition into finals and the holiday break.
National Recognition and Pride
Silent Night has garnered attention from major news outlets, a source of pride for the students and the university. "We're just a small university in a small town that has a lot to offer," said Guarneri.
USA Today has posted multiple highlights over the years in an article from 2017, and ESPN yearly recaps the event on SportsCenter.
Silent Night is a metaphor for what Taylor is, bringing together nearly the entire student body for one night of joy and support. "Where else can you get a fan base to cheer at every three-point attempt, free throw and steal during a regular season game?"
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