4:26 p.m., Dec. 17, 2007--Football frenzy was the name of the game as true Blue and Gold students, alums and fans made the long journey south and descended upon the First Tennessee Pavilion, adjacent to the Finley Stadium in Chattanooga, for a get-together and pep rally, sponsored by the UD Alumni Association, to cheer and support the Fightin' Blue Hens before their title game Dec. 14 against Appalachian State University.

It was a capacity crowd, and everyone within shouting (and cheering) distance learned that the University of Delaware was a force to be reckoned with. YoUDee, tuba tooters from the UD Marching Band and cheerleaders led the crowd in pre-pep rally festivities, while fans made signs and geared themselves up with paint, wigs, tattoos, buttons, pompoms and other paraphernalia to make it clear that they were Blue Hens.

Huge quantities of food fueled the football fever before the official UD Pep Rally began with special performances from the UD Marching Band, cheerleaders and YoUDee and words from UD President Patrick Harker. Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, former football coach Tubby Raymond and quarterback for the 1979 championship team Scott Brunner also were on hand for the festivities.

Although the outcome of the game was disappointing, the feeling among most fans was that the team had played superlative football this season and getting this close to the championship was an accomplishment in itself, said Lauren Simione, assistant director of alumni relations. And, of course, there's always next year!

Article by Sue Moncure
Photos by Kathy Atkinson