The 300 is more than just a fan club at Trinity Western University; it’s a movement. This student-led group works to make Spartan home games an experience where energy, noise and participation define the court as much as the athletes themselves. At its core is the belief that fans have the power to impact the outcome of a game by transforming the atmosphere.

“The 300’s mission is, rather than simply viewing a sports game, to join into the competitive environment and impact the game through changing the atmosphere of the court,” said current leader Riley Vanderveen, who previously co-led the group with fellow student Ty Johnston.

Inspired by the passion of European football crowds, Vanderveen believes that fans can be just as involved in the action as the players. 

“Being a part of the crowd is why you go to the games—not just the sport the fans came to see,” he said. 

In his first year at TWU, Vanderveen noticed a gap in crowd participation. Rather than staying quiet, he rallied his friends and began chanting and celebrating. His thunderous efforts soon caught the attention of the university staff, who invited him to lead the 300.

“I figured I would lead,” he said. “But not without a partner, so I needed to get the ultimate hype man, Ty Johnston. Doing The 300 with Ty is so fun because I can build off of the energy he exerts, making it less intimidating to start chants, run games or be on the mic.”

For Vanderveen, the vision for the 300 is all about shifting fans from passive spectators to active participants. 

“Ideally, fans would realize that in order to have a hype environment, it takes individual participation. It takes everyone. If people want a hype environment, it requires activity! Fans need to be responsive to the environment. Essentially, it would be really cool for the environment of sports games to shift from consuming to creating.”

He also hopes to build a stronger sense of welcome for fans entering the gym. In the past, crowds often walked in and went straight to their seats without any interaction. Vanderveen believes that needs to change. 

“A good welcome is important for people to feel accepted and comfortable enough to participate,” he said. “So welcoming fans well will improve the participation.” 

He wants everyone who engages in the 300 experience to feel just as involved in the action as the Spartans on the ground.

From chants that echo across the Langley Events Centre to cheers that rattle the walls of the David E. Enarson Gymnasium, Vanderveen sees the 300 as more than a fan club—it is a culture shift at TWU. With student leaders like him and Johnston at the helm, the group is working to redefine what it means to be a Spartan fan: loud, passionate and united in spirit.