“We are Delaware!”

That was the chant as Blue Hens of every feather gathered Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 6, for a spirit rally held near the Food Court of the Trabant University Center.

The event celebrated the University of Delaware’s three spirit teams that placed first, second and third in a national competition, held recently in Orlando, Fla., and encouraged students to cheer on the men’s and women’s basketball teams as they enter the home stretch of the Colonial Athletic Association season.

In Orlando, YoUDee, the Fightin’ Blue Hen mascot, took first place in the national mascot competition, the dance team won second place in its division and the cheerleading team, which was the defending national champion, won third place in its division.

University President David P. Roselle offered his congratulations to the spirit teams, which he noted students can see in action throughout the basketball season during games at the Bob Carpenter Sports/Convocation Center.

“It would be great if you would be there to support the spirit teams and the basketball teams,” he said, adding, “It’s a time when you can get a little bit loud and maybe even a little bit crazy.”

“Congratulations to the spirit teams. You guys are great,” Tina Martin, head coach of the women’s basketball team said. She then surveyed the throng and said she thought it would be great to “lock the doors, give you all basketball tickets and take you down to The Bob” for the men’s home game tonight (Wednesday) and the women’s home game Thursday night.

A strong home crowd is worth 8-10 points to a team, said Martin, whose team is on an eight-game winning streak and in second place in CAA.

Head coach David Henderson, whose men’s team goes into action at 7:30 p.m. tonight against George Mason, applauded the spirit teams for “all the energy you bring to sports at the University of Delaware.”

Henderson said UD has strong academic and athletic programs, adding that it also has an opportunity to build a reputation as one of the nation’s “greatest spirit schools.”

Joe Mackley, head coach of the cheerleading team, which led cheers to open and close the lunchtime event, said his squad is appreciative of the recognition and support provided by UD.

For more information on the cheerleading program, see www.udel.edu/cheerleading.

Kelly Bocchetti, assistant coach of the dance team, praised the team for its hard work. “We are so proud of them,” she said, noting that the second place finish was the team’s best ever.

For more information on the dance team, see www.udel.edu/danceteam.

Also on hand was Evan Herman, president emeritus of the Blue Hen Fever student support group, which is working to build support for the University’s varsity athletic teams.

For more information on Blue Hen Fever, see www.udel.edu/bluehenfever/home.htm

Sharon Harris, coordinator of the mascot program, praised the work of the students who fill YoUDee’s shoes. “Over the years, YoUDee has received a number of spirit and technical awards and has consistently been recognized among the best mascots in the country,” she said.

For more information on YoUDee, see www.udel.edu/PR/YoUDee.

Music for the event was provided by radio station WRDX-FM 94.7 and Mike Corey, who calls UD football and basketball games for the station, served as master of ceremonies.

The rally also featured free commemorative T-shirts giveaways commemorating the 1-2-3 placements of the spirit teams. Food was provided courtesy of Dining Services, and there were special Blue Hen Fever and WRDX giveaways. The T-shirts also are on sale at the Bookstore.

Feb. 6, 2002

Photos by: Greg Drew