Some Fans Just Can't Wait
7/25/2002 12:00:00 AM | General
July 25, 2002
NACOGDOCHES - SFA fever hit East Texas in a huge way Thursday afternoon in Nacogdoches. Like something reminiscent of a movie theater the night before a new Star Wars movie, Lumberjack fans, clad in purple and white, packed into the Homer Bryce Stadium to hoot-n-holler for their beloved Lumberjacks, despite the fact football season doesn't kick off for another 37 days.
The festivities didn't end with just a few "LET'S GO JACKS," from the energetic crowd. The evening was highlighted by the guest appearance of Ladyjack track star Tracy Schupp, who only seemed to throw fans into an even greater frenzy. Schupp greeted the fans and joined in on the craze that is quickly sweeping the campus.
"It was the first time in my four years here that I've seen something of this magnitude," said Schupp. "They were just going crazy! The crowd support for all the Lumberjack and Ladyjack teams was unbelievable."
Schupp wasn't the only SFA athlete to greet the fans. All-Southland Conference wideout Anthony Dingle and volleyball stars Sunni Williams, Jennifer Wilson and Angie Wood also came out to spend time with their adoring fans.
The group, which calls itself the "The Purple Haze Craze," has been building momentum on campus for quite sometime and even caught the attention of the Student Body President's office.
"The Purple Haze Craze has gained enormous popularity in just a few short weeks," said Student Body President Erin Bosworth. "We've been distributing Purple Haze t-shirts to thousands of incoming freshmen all summer at the different orientation sessions. I'm excited for the new craze and I'm hopeful that the shirts will be donned at all of our athletic events by active SFA supporters."
The Purple Haze t-shirts are an exciting attempt to increase the fan support and crowd participation at all of our school-sponsored events. The first home football game on Sept. 7, vs. Montana State has even been printed on the schedules as the Purple Haze game. These t-shirts will be available at the student government office and at Lumberjack Alley before every home football game.
Purple Haze leader, Ayo Taylor-Dixon, seemed echo Bosworth's sentiments.
"Hopefully this type of spirit will be shown throughout the season for each sport from the whole student body," said Taylor-Dixon. "With the pledge of public support by Student Body President Bosworth for our organization, we are ready for the upcoming season. I think our organization will create a unique college atmosphere that SFA fans won't soon forget and that SFA opponents can only hope to forget."
All fans are encouraged to join the new Purple Haze Craze. The only membership requirement for the Craze is wearing purple and showing up to cheer for the 'Jacks.
Avoid the rush and join the Purple Haze Craze today!
