Fantastic fan support leads to new soccer fan section for Tech
After three home matches that have seen the attendance rise from 157 to 397, the Tennessee Tech soccer team has decided to reward its fans for their support with a section all their own.
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – After three home matches that have seen
the attendance rise from 157 to 397, the Tennessee Tech soccer team
has decided to reward its fans for their support with a section all
their own.
The "Screaming Eagles" fan section stemmed from an idea from Golden Eagles assistant coach Corey Boyd, who looked to professional teams for inspiration.
"Many soccer teams have supporters groups," said Boyd. "An
example is Sam's Army, the U.S. National Team's supporters group.
In Europe, these groups are called ultras. Fanatical groups that
dress in the colors of their club and sing and chant from kick-off
until the end of the match."
Junior midfielder Emily
Homan is just one of several Tech players that have noticed the
large crowds.
"We love when our stands are full," Homan said.
"It makes us all play better to hear people cheering for us.
Our level rises because of them."
"Our players love our fans," said Boyd, "so I wanted the fans to
also feel that they are part of something, as well as being able to
have a great time in the process."
Fans are encouraged to dress up, cheer, sing, and chant, provided
its all clean and represents the team in a positive manner. The
only restriction for the section is noisemakers, which are an NCAA
violation.
The Golden Eagles will open their OVC schedule on Sunday when they
host Jacksonville State in a 1 p.m. CT tilt on the Tech Soccer
Field. The game will also be the team's annual Think Pink game in
honor of breast cancer awareness, and will occur during the annual
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
Note: Some of the information in this story was provided by The Oracle.
