Fowler Student Leads Well-Known SDSU Student Cheering Section

Anyone who has ever seen a San Diego State men’s basketball game played in Viejas Arena — either in person or on television — is probably familiar with The Show, SDSU’s nationally famous student section. 

The Show, which is known for its creative (and occasionally outrageous) signs, antics and costumes first gained wide-spread notoriety during the 2010 – 2011 season which saw the nationally-ranked SDSU men’s basketball team end their season with a record of 34-3 and a trip to the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet Sixteen. 

Various students have served as “Show Leaders” throughout the years and one of this year’s leaders is Chase Karlo, a junior management major at SDSU’s Fowler College of Business. Karlo, a lifelong Aztec fan and San Diego County native, has been a Show leader since his freshman year. 

We wanted to know a little more about Karlo’s involvement with The Show and how its student leaders are staying engaged during the COVID-19 lockdown. Here’s what he had to say:

Chase Karlo (center in referee uniform) greets former Aztec star, Malachi Flynn during a game in 2020. 

 

Q: How did you first get involved with The Show? How did you become a Show leader?
A: Growing up in San Diego, I watched SDSU sports for years while also watching The Show at its peak. I always wanted to go to SDSU and eventually become a part of The Show. When I was a freshman, I reached out to The Show leaders through social media and joined immediately since they are always looking to add Show leaders.

Q: Did you wear a costume during last year’s home games? If so, what was it?
A: I wore a referee costume every game while I've been with The Show.

Q: What are you doing to keep The Show going strong during the shutdown?
A: We have been working behind the scenes to strengthen our future outreach to students through different avenues and we have been interacting with fans on social media. We’ve also been working with the SDSU Bookstore to sell The Show gear, but we are always thinking of potential future ideas that could make The Show better. 

Q: As a Show leader, what are some of your current responsibilities?
A: I work with other Show leaders on things like social media, potential ideas, student outreach, and more. We work together to improve the student game experience while also giving our basketball team an unrivaled homecourt advantage.

Q: What is your favorite Show tradition and why?
A: The signs. Being able to be creative and clever by trying to think of ways to distract the opposition and help our team get an advantage is really fun.

Q: Who's your favorite current Aztec player and why?
A. Terrell Gomez — his 3-point range is very fun to watch.