When one roams around the Countryside trying to take in smaller level sporting events you cross paths with a decent number of Folks. A few days ago I found myself in Danville, Virginia at a Division 3 scheduled double header between the University of Mary Washington (Fredericksburg) and Averette University. I will include photos and other notes on the day later on but I wanted to post separately about an amazing experience with a Fan.
The next line in the story goes something like this – how Amazing was he ?
So Amazing that I think we could pair up and travel from place to place shooting videos and teaching seminars on how to properly support your team!
One of the reasons his support was such a focal point for me that day was in part the small number of fans in a very spacious gymnasium. Charles has made the drive down from the Richmond area to support UMW and did he ever support them!
His efforts throughout the game was so impressive that I couldn’t help but try to spend a couple of minutes with him after the game concluded and he was happy to participate in a conversation once he offered final encouragement to the Ladies as they headed to their lockeroom following their impressive showing.
What are some of the things that he could have possibly done that would have been oh so noticeable ? Let’s start with all of his cheering being 100% positive !!! That in itself makes me want to stand up and applaud 👏.
Everything was directed at the players for UMW, not the officials or the opponent. On paper his team looked to be quite better than the home standing Lady Cougars but they game was pretty much even out of the gates. That point right there can send many a fan to the dark side if he or she feels that their team is not playing up to their potential but it did not effect our Fan in a negative way. If anything it encouraged him to be more encouraging and when he offered support it was to an individual and she was called by her name.
It had a personal feel to it, much like a high school Coach might treat his or her team. When I first started to notice him I thought he might just be cheering on just one player but I soon realized that he was offering encouragement to the entire roster.
Many of these things cannot take place in a packed gym or Coliseum but for the day it simply made me smile, a lot!
. Our post-game conversation went back and forth for a few minutes and proved to be equally enjoyable as we discussed the difference between the Men’s game and the Women’s game including the different types of support needed for the players.
. Keep an eye on the Lady’s of UMW the rest of the season and if you see them play in person you might notice one of their Fans!
More about the game and Pics to come later but this one needed to stand alone.
A.S.P.N on The Hill 