Blue Hen sports fans are starting to catch the 'Fever'

Blue Hen Fever fans show off their special T-shirts with YoUDee and Baby Blue
at a recent basketball game in The Bob.

Over the last few months, Blue Hen Fever (BHF) has been spreading across the campus, infecting student fans in growing numbers. The recently organized student spirit group was formed to generate student support and enthusiasm for UD athletics and give students a new way to connect with the University.

Curt Krouse, athletics marketing and staff coordinator of the new group, said BHF originally made its presence known at football and basketball games, but it plans to become involved with other UD teams throughout the year.

"I think this is a great opportunity for current students to leave a legacy for future classes to enjoy," Krouse said. "Membership is open to any student who loves sports, has school spirit and wants to meet new people."

To increase its visibility, BHF students sit together as a group and wear distinctive shirts, Krouse said.

In the near future, BHF will become involved in the spring sports program. The group also plans to set up weekly meetings and events schedules, start recruiting, develop in-game antics and cheers, travel to some away games and, eventually, create a web site to improve publicity, marketing and communication.

"This is a very energetic group, and it has accomplished a lot in a short amount of time," Krouse said. "We have an entire spring athletic season to support, while laying the foundation for the future. BHF will be a year-round experience, and communication will be encouraged during the summer through our Blue Hen Fever listserv and/or web site."

Evan Herman, a senior computer engineering major from Suffern, N.Y., is BHF president, and Rich Beckerman, a sophomore political science major from Plainview, N.Y., is vice president.

Beckerman said BHF will offer UD teams a major home-field advantage, since he said the outcome of a game is related to how much fan support can affect the performance of UD's team.

"So, why are we important is easy," Beckerman said. "We are fans at their best. Picture this, an organized militia of people, standing together, wearing the same colors, shouting the same things–so loud you can hear what we say outside the stadium, so powerful the other team can't help but notice us.

"We are so important. We always get on TV. Our mascot wears our T-shirt. The coaches thank us during speeches. If we show up anywhere on campus with our shirts on, we immediately rule the place. You will see us busy cheering up the students and locals, as well as spreading the info on how our teams are doing."

Herman said UD's athletic program is among the best in the nation. "Unfortunately, this outstanding program has not translated into a student turnout at events or even a general sense of school spirit and pride among the student body," he said. "BHF will see to it that this changes. We are proud of our teams and want to show that off to the world."

To become involved or find out more about BHF, contact Herman at [mothma.udel.edu] or Beckerman at [bbbeck@udel. edu].

–Ed Okonowicz