Troy sees transformation during South Hate Week

Last week, in the days before the Trojans clinched a win against South Alabama in the Battle for the Belt, Troy saw its campus transform during the annual traditions of South Hate Week. 

South Hate Week is the name given to the week leading up to Troy’s biggest rivalry football game of the season. The week bears witness to Troy students rallying together to show support for their team and throw good-natured jabs toward the South Alabama Jaguars.  

“[South Hate Week] builds unity and school spirit,” said Student Government Association (SGA) Senator Chandler Paymon, a junior nursing major from Pike Road, Alabama. 

“Rivalries like this bring out the best in us, not just in sports, but in how we support each other as a community. 

“It’s about representing Troy with energy, pride and respect.” 

Over the course of last week, chalk appeared on the concrete walkways of the quad depicting crossed out S’s, and signs all over campus could be found untouched, spare for every single S being covered with tape. The crossing out and covering of the S’s is seen as a symbol of crossing out the Jaguars during the Battle for the Belt. 

It didn’t stop at just graffiti though – throughout the week, students wore anti-South buttons and apparel. Additionally, Troy’s SGA held pep rallies and the annual Beat South Blood Drive competition. 

“These traditions are some of my favorite parts of the week because it’s the little things like this that bring us together and make us one Troy,” said SGA Senator Makiley Porter, an elementary education major from Alabaster, Alabama.  

Interim Athletic Director Kyle George said he thinks South Hate Week is absolutely integral to Troy’s sports culture on campus. 

“I love rivalries and think that they bring out the best in everyone,” George said. “In every sport or activity that we compete against South in; the goal is always the same – to win.  

“That’s the most important element in this whole week that our team rallies around. Each game on our schedule always matters, but some have just a little more weight added to them. 

“I think it is great for our student-athletes to see the student body rally together during this week, as it shows that we’re all in this together and brings an extra level of excitement and intensity to game week.”  

After the week filled with competitive contempt, Troy students saw their rallying efforts pay off as the Trojans were able to once again put their hands on the Sun Belt and claim it as its rightful owners.