UpDate - Vol. 13, No. 20, Page 3
February 17, 1994
'A great fan'; Nelson Smith focuses on Blue Hen basketball

     Amateur photographer Nelson Smith has attended more than 700 Blue Hen
basketball games and practices, more games than many active coaches.
     The 76-year-old retired chemical operator has been to every men's and
women's basketball game held at the University since the 1975-76 season,
usually with camera in hand.
     "I mainly take drive-in shots. You usually can find me glued under the
home team's basket," he said.
     Smith's pictures are used in some athletic programs and also can be
seen during slide presentations at annual basketball banquets. Smith said
he enjoys taking the pictures and is happy when they are used. "It's my
hobby," he said.
     Smith's involvement with Delaware basketball dates back to the 1930s.
Though he never attended Delaware, Smith went to many Blue Hen basketball
games while attending LaSalle College on a football scholarship because
several friends played for the Blue Hens.
     As a season-ticket holder, Smith, a member of the Blue Hen Hoop Club,
proudly points out that President David Roselle has sat with him during
some games. As a club member, he travels to some of the away games. When
there are no games, Smith can be found at practices.
     "It's great how he supports the team," Scott Selheimer, the
University's sports information director, said. "The University is lucky to
have him. Other schools should be so lucky."
     According to Joyce Perry, head women's basketball coach, "Nelson has
been our unofficial photographer and faithful supporter throughout my
coaching career at Delaware. He has a genuine interest in and caring for
the players and the game. He's a great fan."
     "It's just nice having him around. He had confidence in me when I
didn't have it in myself," Rhonda Clifton, a member of the Class of '91 and
a former women's team player, said.
     Local newspaper photographers, Smith said, often talk to him at the
games. They have gotten to be friends and, at times, they've even loaned
him film when he has run out. The officials recognize him and they chat
with each other during halftime. YoUDee, the Blue Hen mascot, frequently
gives Smith a "high five."
     When asked how long this devoted fan plans to keep taking Blue Hen
photographs, Nelson smiles and says: "As long as I live. It keeps me going.
They tell me they can't start the game without me."
                                                  -Kate Smith