Are You a Big Ten SuperFan?

Tell us about your experience at a Big Ten Women's Basketball game!




Jan. 27, 2006

Are you a Big Ten SuperFan?

We would like to hear about your experience recently at a Big Ten Women's Basketball game. Tell us about the game promotions that you enjoyed. Tell us about the atmosphere in the arena.

Tell us everything about being a Big Ten SuperFan by e-mailing us at superfan@bigten.org.

MichiganCHUCK RAAB 
Michigan SuperFan

Commenting on the Purdue at Michigan game, Jan. 8, 2006
"It all started when Michigan cut Purdue's second-half lead down to eight points.  Head Coach Cheryl Burnett stomped her feet and frantically waved her arms in the air. I was in my usual courtside front-row seat, standing up, and holding up one of my many signs.  This one read [ON YOUR FEET] on one side and [NOISE] on the other.  The fans then started to respond with more noise!  Michigan cut the lead to six and I waved one of my "M" towels, while jumping up and down.  I motioned the fans to stand up and yell and sure enough, it got louder.  Purdue was forced to take a timeout and we all sang "Hail to the Victors" led by the Michigan pep band. 

"Following the timeout and a missed shot by the Boilermakers, Katie Dierdorf converted a layup to pull our Wolverines within four points.  The crowd really got rowdy.  They began yelling and screaming while Coach Burnett continued her hard work.  Once again, I was encouraging all the fans to get on their feet and go crazy!  Purdue seamed to get rattled and promptly committed a three-second violation. On Michigan's next possession, Ta'Shia Walker scored on a layup and Crisler Arena was up for grabs. 

"During the next timeout, I ran up and down the side of the court with another sign as the fans cheered. This one read [DANGER---Lady Wolverines WILL ATTACK].  Purdue made two more free throws, but Michigan responded again with a running left-handed shot by Krista Clement as the shot clock expired.  It brought Michigan back within two points, 45-43, with just 1:41 left in the game.  At that point, the arena exploded to its loudest level. It was amazing how much noise the announced crowd of 1,789 made. It sounded more like 10,000 fans!

"It wasn't a victory on the scoreboard as Michigan fell 51-43, but it was a huge step forward for the Wolverine fans' involvement and noise level. It was also another step forward for the promising future of this very young women's basketball team. Several Michigan players commented on the loud and rowdy crowd, saying it really energized the team down the stretch and made them forget about being tired. It was the loudest they had ever heard Crisler Arena. It was an awesome atmosphere.

"As far as the promotions went, it was U-of-M basketball alumnae day, which included a reception after the game.  It was also "Krista Clement Day" with post-game autographs and trading cards available to fans.  At halftime, we were entertained by the Pinckney Poms dance and cheer teams and had a chance to win an HDTV on a half-court shot."
 
GO BLUE!!

MinnesotaLINDA MEYER
Minnesota SuperFan

Commenting on the Michigan State at Minnesota game, Jan. 15, 2006
"I am writing in regards to a recent women's basketball game that I attended in Minneapolis at the Barn.  It was a home game against our rival Michigan State.  The Gophers had not beaten the Spartans in several years and it was the one team that Coach Borton had not beaten since coming to Minnesota.

"As game time began to get closer, the fans continued to pour into the arena.  The band played, while the crowd was getting ready.  The atmosphere at Williams Arena is not like any other arena.  You are close to the action and everyone gets involved.  The Minnesota regulars cheered as both teams are introduced, not just for our Gophers.  The fans recognized good plays on both sides. 

"I like it when the schools invite local high schools and others in the state to come to the arena and watch the game.  It gives future players of the Big Ten a chance to see and feel what the experience is like.  I attend all Gopher home games and as many away games as possible.  My friend and I have been adopted by the parents of the players over the past few years.  We have met many new friends and we watch a lot of basketball together. 

"We support our team in color and voice.  I am always in my Gopher gear at both home and away games.  I will continue to renew my season tickets and adopt all new players as the others graduate.  I live for basketball and I love my Gopher women's team and coaches."