In today’s society, twitter uses hash tags for different words or phrases all for the fun of it. People often look past hash tags because it is such a norm, but #NewEra is much more than just a twitter hash tag; there is a deeper meaning.

#NewEra is a slogan and symbol Millikin University men’s basketball team uses for the fact they are trying to change the culture of Millikin basketball and turn itself around.

In the past two years, coach Matt Nadelhoffer and the Big Blue have been a work in progress. In his first year coaching at the school, Nadelhoffer won only a single game with the Big Blue. He knew that in his second season he needed to make a change in the program; he did just that in recruiting a group of 17 freshmen that would become the “new era” of Millikin basketball.

“I believe the #NewEra started last year because coach Nadelhoffer and his staff brought in the pieces to incorporate his mission and vision for the program,” Coach Blake Reynolds said. “When Coach Nadelhoffer took the job, he really didn’t have a chance to recruit players to fit his culture and style. After a year of very dedicated and intense recruiting, he brought in a class that can play the type of basketball that coach is comfortable teaching.”

Millikin’s team last season started five freshmen, rotating between nine. The court was young and inexperienced, but full of talent.

“Being part of the “new era” is being a part of a team that won eight times as many games than the season before, and for being freshman that is a big accomplishment,” sophomore guard Chase Robbins said. “It is very rare to coach a team with a roster like ours, but it is a unique challenge because they are so eager to learn and very exciting to watch. We know they have the potential to be successful for the years to come at Millikin.”

This season, Millikin basketball continues to thrive on its slogan #NewEra not only on twitter, but also on the court. The group of kids that came in as the “new era” are now sophomores and have a year of experience under their belt.

“New era is really important to the team because it represents the potential we have to be the era of new kids that turn the school’s basketball program around,” sophomore forward Jacob Kueker said.

Reynolds believes the team’s slogan is going to be a part of the program as long as they continue to work hard on the court, in the classroom and have a positive impact on the community.

“It was exciting to see how much the team improved last season and I can’t wait to see how we do this year,” junior center Brady Knapp said. “I’m glad Nadelhoffer brought in the group of players that he did. Together we really are the new era Millikin needs to be great.”