Their T-shirts are worn by those of all walks, their posters fill the halls and sidewalks around the Sacramento State campus and their chants are heard at all Division I athletic events. They are the Green Army.

“The Green Army is a student booster group aimed at igniting school spirit and fostering pride for Sacramento State and Hornet athletics. The purpose of the Green Army is to provide an atmosphere of spirit and excitement at Hornet athletics events,” according to the Green Army’s website.

The Green Army has been on campus since the start of the 2009 Hornet football season and since that time, the organization that started with nothing has now reached almost 3,000 members.

“The Green Army in numbers is building and if you’ve been to any of our games, you’ve seen our shirts, our backpacks, we’ve got a brand new Green Army flag,” said Green Army Coordinator Angeliza Fontillas. “We’re always looking for new members to join us in our fight for school pride through athletics.”

The Green Army is not only for the students, but it is also by the students. The rest of the work is done by student volunteers, many of whom participate in Sac State athletics themselves.

“The Green Army is not just a club, it’s a way of life here on campus. If you’re not a part of it, you’re not with it,” said Green Army representative Will Soares. “It’s all about the Green Army, it’s all about school spirit, getting loud, showing your stuff at school, representing where you’re from.”

Soares can be seen in the stands at games. His job, along with his fellow student volunteers, is to keep the Green Army roaring, on its feet, and into the game.

Soares’ work has not gone unnoticed. When Hornet football upset No. 21 Weber State 24-17, and when the Hornets defeated Western Oregon 31-17, the Green Army was there in large numbers. In fact, when the Green Army is fighting alongside the football team, it is 2-1 with the only loss coming in overtime to No. 10 Montana State University.

“Obviously, there is an increased presence at our games as well as overall campus spirit,” said Jeff Shuman, the football team’s director of operations. “They’ve done a great job creating a new student pride.”

But the Green Army is not all about football. The nation of prideful students fights for all campus sports, from football to baseball, track and field to rowing and basketball to soccer. The Green Army stands for them all.

“It’s noticeable when they’re there and from a coaching standpoint I like it. I enjoy when there’s more and more,” said Ruben Volta, volleyball head coach. “Hopefully we can make this thing grow and attract more and more students and help make our home venue kind of a loud ruckus arena.”

The men’s soccer team has been enjoying the presence of the Green Army as well. The team is undefeated when the Green Army is on its side, 4-0-2. That undefeated home record includes an upset over No. 10-ranked UC Irvine.

“This (season) is actually the first time I’ve even noticed their presence at our games,” said men’s soccer head coach Michael Linenberger.

Even though you do not have to sign a piece of paper or give out your e-mail address to prove your loyalty, the Green Army invites you to officially join its ranks either by visiting JoinTheGreenArmy.com or signing up at the next athletic event.

AJ Taylor can be reached at [email protected]