Providing 'Walk-Goff' fuel

With the weather warming up in West Lafayette, that means it's time for baseball. This season, however, promises an added spark, courtesy of Purdue baseball's new student section the Walk-Goff Squad.

Seated down the first-base line right above the opposing team’s dugout, these enthusiastic Boilermaker fans wearing jerseys gifted to them by the baseball team are set to redefine the atmosphere in Alexander Field.

Named the Walk-Goff Squad, these spirited Boilermakers led by John Turner have one mission: to create an electrifying environment that elevates both players and fans alike.

The Walk-Goff Squad got its start in January in the lower bowl of Mackey Arena at a basketball game. President Turner, Vice President Jack Dennis and friends inspired by the Paint Crew were joking about starting a student section for baseball.

Dennis was unaware Turner was going to follow through with the idea, but unknown to the group, Turner submitted an essay and the paperwork to Purdue Student Activities and Organizations, and before anyone knew it, they were an official club.

Once the Walk-Goff Squad was official, it began meeting with the coach and members of the Purdue Athletic Department to plan out events and to maximize the club's impact.

During Purdue’s home series against Iowa, the Walk-Goff Squad showcased its dedication, with a constant stream of cheers, jeers and celebrations.

Sitting so close to the field, the energy provided by the squad was clearly felt by the players. Despite trailing into the seventh inning, the Boilermakers started their comeback bid, accompanied by fuel from the fans in attendance.

To create this environment at Alexander Field, the Walk-Goff Squad is using classic baseball chants and cheers, along with some new traditions of their own.

Two traditions making their debuts this season at Alexander Field are the K counter and home run counter. Similar to the iconic dunk and 3-point counter in Mackey Arena, these counters will track the number of strikeouts and home runs by Purdue at Alexander Field in a season.

The student section also has themed dress-up days. One of the first was on March 22, when the Boilermakers took on the Hawkeyes in the weekend series opener. Borrowing a page from the basketball student section, and with a nod to March Madness, the Walk-Goff squad dressed up as the Paint Crew.

Creating such a high-energy environment is something the players and coaches appreciate. Turner said he has received several messages from players thanking the student section for its support. The team has been incredibly supportive, Turner said, providing jerseys and tailgate equipment for the student section to use.

Head coach Greg Goff especially likes the Walk-Goff Section’s name..

“That is the greatest thing ever,” Goff said. “I’m so honored that they would do something like that.”

Goff said the student section has had an impact on opposing teams.

“Every opponent has talked about those guys and just being all over them,” Goff said. “Not in a negative way, just they wish they could have something like this. I’m just very very grateful for those students.”

For those interested in being a part of such an exciting atmosphere, you can join the Walk-Goff Squad’s email list via their website: https://the-walk-goff-squad.square.site/