Taggers hoping to inspire California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo school spirit found their efforts in vain following this weekend’s dominating performances meted out by the UCSB men’s and women’s basketball teams.

Anonymous Cal Poly students tagged the UCSB campus with pro-Cal Poly graffiti last Tuesday in anticipation of this past weekend’s basketball doubleheader. The graffiti, which was found at various locations including the Thunderdome and the UCen, was promptly removed.

The tags, which were done in paint, chalk and glitter, included writings such as “Cal Poly Rules,” and “UCSTD.”

Additionally, on Wednesday morning, the taggers taped an anonymous note, as well as a CD of 11 photographs, to the newsroom of The Mustang Daily – Cal Poly’s student newspaper.

“We want our rivalry back,” the perpetrators’ note said. “Cal Poly won’t do anything, so we did. Cal Poly spirit is slipping down the drain. Everything used was water-soluble. We are spirited, not stupid.”

Despite the graffiti’s claim that “Cal Poly Rules,” the Gauchos won both games, with the women dominating the Mustangs 75-58, and the men earning a 75-60 victory.

Several players said they were aware of the graffiti prior to the game, including sophomore guard James Powell, who scored 20 points during the game, and even credited it with providing a source of inspiration for their play.

“I heard about it,” Powell said. “I think, as a whole, it motivated us. I’m not sure if everyone saw it or was thinking about it, but a few people were excited to play them and that got our juices going a little bit. At least they got it off, because we don’t want Cal Poly over here. We don’t want that at all.”

UCPD spokesman Matt Bowman said the department was not aware of the letter but said an investigation is ongoing.

“The UCSB police are looking for any information that would help identify a suspect in this case,” Bowman said. “It is an ongoing investigation, but so far no suspects have been identified.”