On Texas State Bobcats football game days, a group of students fill section 119 of UFCU Stadium. With X’s painted over their eyes, large doll-like smiles painted on their faces and “Texas State” spelled out on their abdomens, they cheer a reminder that San Marcos is the Bobcats “hell house.”

Hellcats is the first co-ed spirit fraternity at Texas State. It was started by Joaquin Marquez, an animal science junior and Hellcats director of leadership. He envisioned the organization to be a fraternity designated to supporting anything athletics. The organization prides itself on having spirit for the Bobcats and getting students involved both on campus and in supporting athletics.

“I love athletics, and I love going absolutely crazy in the student section,” Marquez said. “We embody everything that Texas State Athletics has to offer as far as traditions and spirit and pride in our university.”

Andrea Tablada, pre-med freshman and Hellcats pledge, is excited about the fraternity. She supported athletic events in high school, and a goal of hers was to join an organization like Hellcats in college. Tablada said she realized it’s more than going to games and having fun, as she found a sense of community.

“You have to have pride in your school, and you have to have some type of connection and belonging,” Tablada said. “If you go to Texas State, I feel like you’re here for a reason.”