They came with their bodies painted white and a giant cut-out of Chris Lowery’s head with one goal in mind – distraction.

An estimated 500 Dawg Pound members arrived at the SIU Arena Saturday more than three and a half hours before tip off to be sure they get a spot in view of the Hoosiers players they hoped to bother.

Membership in the Dawg Pound, the large student section situated in bleachers on the Arena floor, has more than tripled its memberships this season with 1,392 registered members compared to 420 members at this time last year, athletic department officials said.

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The Dawg Pound chanted “S-I-U, S-I-U!” as the members stood outside in 50-degree temperatures prepared to fight for a perfect spot during the game.

As the doors opened at 6:30 p.m., members trickled in while clasping white T-shirts and rally towels.

While the group typically filled one set of bleachers last season, the students quickly filled both ends of the floor.

Samantha Okon, a senior from Chicago studying communication disorder sciences, was one of the first fans in line.

Okon said she sees the difference in the Dawg Pound this season from when she joined three years ago.

“I think people realize how much fun you have and all the perks you get from being in the Dawg Pound,” Okon said.

While it might not be as organized or notorious as some student cheering sections around the country like Illinois’ Orange Krush or Duke’s Cameron Crazies, both students and the athletic department are looking for new ways to give the Dawg Pound a unique identity.

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Justin Johnson, a junior from Mohomet studying business management, said the section isn’t as unified as the Orange Krush but if presented with the opportunity, it could be good for the university.

Associate athletic director of marketing Mark Gazdik said the department plans to make the Dawg Pound a formal student group and is seeking leaders to create a logo and organize trips to away games.

Associate director of marketing Amy Spomer, who directly oversees membership to the Dawg Pound, said students are noticing the rise of excellence in Saluki athletics and want to be a part of that atmosphere.

Students join the group by paying $10 and are given a T-shirt and a two-day advance on tickets.

John Reisterer, a junior from Columbia studying mining engineering, waited outside the Arena with his chest painted ” Go Get Tested” and said he joined the Dawg Pound because he enjoys the environment that now surrounds Saluki basketball games.

“We’re all out here waiting to get in the game so early and we get in there and get to harass the other team,” Reisterer said.

Gazdik said there is an 1,800 ticket limit for tickets reserved for students, but there won’t be a limit on the number of Dawg Pound members any time soon.

Gazdik and Spomer, who are both in their first year at SIU, are working together to develop more promotional events within Saluki athletics to attract more students to other home games such as football, volleyball and softball.

“In the future it’s our hope that the Dawg Pound will be an umbrella of an organization that has multiple facets and groups that support each team,” Gazdik said.

Megan Kramper can be recached at 536-3311 ext. 282 or [email protected].