1 / 3

Utah Valley University's Green Man Group has become a popular fixture on campus.

Courtesy UVU Marketing

2 / 3

Utah Valley University's Green Man Group was originally formed in an attempt to boost student support of athletic events.

Courtesy UVU Marketing

3 / 3

Utah Valley University's Green Man Group performs at a UVU basketball game.

Courtesy UVU Marketing

❮ ❯

Utah Valley University’s school spirit is found in several iconic symbols — the school’s beloved mascot “Willy the Wolverine,” President Astrid Tuminez and her green and silver pom poms, and the energetic dance and cheer teams. However, no list of UVU traditions is complete without the legendary Green Man Group.

The group has become an integral part of the university, spreading school spirit and excitement across the campus. Anyone associated with UVU recognizes the group’s members, who stand out due to their full-body suits of green fabric and sunglasses. They are not allowed to talk when performing in their all-green uniforms.

The group’s story began in 2010 with Clint Pulver, UVU’s student body president. At the time, student support of sporting events was lagging. Pulver was determined to find a way to ignite school spirit.

As an experienced drummer of 20 years, Pulver had a passion for the energy and rhythm of percussion. The beating of the drums was exciting, and he knew that music was a powerful tool for student engagement. As he brainstormed, the idea for a drumline was sparked.

“I started drawing characters in class,” Pulver said. “No one knew who they were. They didn’t talk, and no one knew where they came from. All I wanted people to know was they had mad skills on the drums.”

He gained an audience with then-UVU President Matthew Holland. He confidently showed the president a sketch of what would become the Green Man Group. Holland immediately saw the potential and backed the initiative. Pulver set out to recruit his first team.

“Because of UVU’s support, this dream became a reality,” Pulver said. “It’s the most unique and powerful experience I’ve ever had.”

He and his two roommates became the original green men. Although teaching his friends to play the drums was challenging, finding the right performers was more difficult.

“You can teach people to play the drums, but you can’t teach them to perform,” Pulver said. “I had to consider who had the best technique, who fit the group and who could create memorable moments. It’s about character, energy and uniqueness.”

The group’s presence at basketball games caught the attention of students and fans, including Kenton Nielson, who was particularly intrigued by the idea of a UVU drumline. With a drumming background similar to Pulver’s, Nielson was invited to join a rehearsal the following week.

Nielson immersed himself in helping the group by attending practices and guiding their performances. Today, he serves as the director of the Green Man Group, ensuring that the energetic tradition continues.

“We transitioned to scholarships somewhere around 2014,” Nielson said. “We continue to attract the best students in the state with the promise of full scholarships for drumline, which was unheard of.”

Its uniqueness soon caught the attention of Yamaha, a globally recognized manufacturer of musical instruments and equipment.

“A Yamaha representative reached out to me and made a trip to visit us here on campus,” Nielson said. “That led to us gaining our first official sponsorship. They even invited us to perform at their corporate headquarters in California and attend the Drum Corps International World Championships with them in their private suite at Lucas Oil Stadium, dressed as green men.”

Other sponsorships followed.

Kaleb Rodriguez, captain of the Green Man Group, found his passion at UVU through the program. He had no plans to pursue higher education. However, group leaders encouraged him to try out, and the rest is history. His scholarship provided financial stability and a sense of belonging at the university.

“I found my spot at UVU through Green Man Group and helping others feel school spirit,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve grown academically and personally, developed leadership skills, problem-solved, worked with a team from various backgrounds and gained so many people skills from my time in the group.”

For many, the Green Man Group represents something far greater than a drumline. It shows the power of student dreams and the exceptional care of a university that believes in them.

Full-time students who meet UVU’s minimum GPA requirements are eligible to try out for the group. For more information, visit https://www.uvugmg.com.