LANCE UP!

When attending a basketball game to cheer Lancer Nation on to victory there is no denying that the energy in the Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center is electric. Fans can be heard shouting the phrase “Lance Up!” as they passionately root for the Lancers on the sidelines. But the phrase was not always part of the Lancer tradition.

So where exactly did “Lance Up!” come from?

Back in 2010, Chris Hofschroer, dean of students, and a former athletic director, Dr. Micah Parker, were brainstorming how to inspire more tradition and school spirit at games.

They discussed how other universities had signature slogans and how it played such a large role in the school’s culture.

“I suggested to Micah that we should do something with Lance,” Hofschroer said. “He mentioned Oklahoma State Cowboys’ ‘Guns Up’ and we both immediately said, ‘Lance Up.’”

With the phrase also comes the signature “Lance Up” signal. At first they thought of using the whole arm, but after discussing the idea with fellow staff members, they settled on making the three finger “L” with only the right hand.

“That way those across the gym would see the ‘L’ which stands for Lancers,” Hofschroer said.

To test and see how the phrase would resonate with the students and fans, foam fingers in the “L” shape were given out at men’s and women’s basketball games. The CBU Crazies, a studentbased cheer section present at all games to boost fan engagement, along with the CBU Cheer squad shouted, “Lance Up!” during the team’s free throws.

“The students caught on, and ‘Lance Up!’ was born,” Hofschroer said.

Ben Jero, a junior majoring in music for worship arts and ministry and member of the CBU Crazies, said, “Lance Up!” is like a shield you take out to battle.

Rick Croy, men’s head basketball coach, said “Lance Up!” is a unifier, for aspiring Lancers, current students or alumni.

“It means family, it means we are pulling for each other,” Croy said. “It demonstrates passions, it shows deep care and it screams we are all in it together.”

A few years later, students were taught how to “Lance Up!” during Welcome Weekend and the rest is history.

When CBU’s new fight song — “Lance Up, CBU!” — debuted in 2017, it cemented the slogan. It is seen and heard at campus events ranging from games to commencement.

Hofschroer said he loves seeing CBU community members using the phrase because it is more than just two simple words.

“They’re saying ‘Go get ‘em!’ ‘Be excellent!’ ‘Be ready for whatever God has for you!’” Hofschroer said. “It’s a simple phrase that means a lot to those of us who call or called CBU home.”

The official slogan and hand signal of California Baptist University.