Does Aquinas college have pep? Specifically, does Aquinas have pep when it comes to sporting events — our very own competitive teams? Most would answer that question with a resounding “no.”

To exist without pep is draining, and leaves one in low spirits. Aquinas already has to deal with the never-ending west Michigan winter; handling the repercussions of lacking pep hardly seems desirable.

So let’s get some!

…But how?

Well, one idea — the beginnings of a plan even — is to form a pep band at Aquinas. What a concept — increasing pep with a pep band. But would it work?

The opinions around Aquinas are a solid combination of yes, no and maybe. How’s that for definitive?

Freshman Mary Grace Guild likes the idea. “I think a pep band would improve school spirit,” she said. “And it is definitely possible. There are enough high school band grads to make it work.”

The prospect of an Aquinas pep band seems “pretty cool” to Freshman Jason Hill, forward for the men’s basketball team. “We had one in high school and I really liked it. It gets you hyped before the game, gets the energy up and adds school spirit.”

So maybe Aquinas should go for it. In the words of sophomore Stephen Simon, “Knock your socks off, Aquinas.”

While it is true that a good pep band could increase the excitement at games and raise some school spirit, it would have to actually be good. It would require significant time, dedication, energy, organization and genuine musical ability. Not to mention an audience. With current game attendance, the hypothetical pep band would be hard pressed to find fans to get pepped in the first place. But that is a different issue altogether.

“If it was going to work, it would need to come out of the music department,” said senior Nick Cooper. “It would require a lot of dedication, and students would be more likely to stick with it if it were part of a class.”

As someone very involved in the music department, Cooper seemed doubtful about the prospect of a successful pep band.

“Aquinas has tried this before and it has never worked,” he said. “Honestly, I think getting the new field house will improve school spirit more than trying to have a pep band.”

Athletic Director Terry Bocian was equally doubtful. Also sighting previously failed pep band attempts, he explained that while he would love to have a quality band, he does not see it happening any time soon.

“It would need to a be a dedicated group that could actually play well,” Bocian said. “We don’t want an inconsistent group that would detract from the games.”

The current solution is to play music over the sound system until that amazing, talented and dedicated Aquinas pep band appears.

Bocian did have one more idea. “I could always bring an accordion and few grandkids with some flutes,” he offered.

He may have been joking, but it’s a thought.