Unseen workers fuel IU gameday

Athletic heroes, University leaders and the pre-Halloween windy weather of IU's 2004 Homecoming Hoosier football win will be recorded throughout the history of time. What can be said for the role of human glue holding Hoosier football games together by the pigskin's seams? \nBehind the festive scene of every home football game Saturday -- win or lose -- many people contribute to the spectator experience of occupying a Memorial Stadium bleacher seat during game time. From the red-shirted IU Student Alumni Association workers to the blue-vested Big Ten officials, the good time felt by most fans at football games would exist nevermore if several roles were left unfulfilled. \nThe IU Virgil T. DeVault Alumni Center was the scene of a pre-game campus community party referred to as the "Big Red Warm-Up," sponsored by the IUSAA. Despite not needing a trick, students, faculty, alumni, Bloomington residents and guests were treated to free food to fill their Hoosier bellies, and soda and juice to replenish their Hoosier spirits. In addition, football fans received free creme and crimson colored pom-poms to cheer the football team to victory.\n"There is a misconception that you have to be an IU graduate to work at the alumni center. Students are welcome, and I'm a Ball State graduate," one red-shirted IUSAA employee said to an inquiring student. "Help yourself to free pizza; drinks are over there."\nWithin the artwork-walled boundaries of the Alumni Center dining room, fathers, mothers, daughters and sons in all permutations gathered for catch up chit-chat and laughter. This year marks the 150-year anniversary of the IUAA.\n"I'm just serving drinks to everyone who comes by," IUSAA Director of Communications and sophomore Ben Blotsky said while pouring a clear carbonated beverage into a plastic cup. "Everybody is welcome, especially Hoosier fans wanting to get a big upset over Minnesota. The wind is going to be a factor. Even if you're not going to the game, it's a free lunch."\nOn the front steps of the Alumni Center shortly before kickoff, several IU students demonstrated their counseling, babysitting and crisis negotiation skills. On careful observation, three friends were spotted supporting the health and wellbeing of an intoxicated friend; perhaps, friends helping friends learn limits.\n"You are our role model," one student said while holding her friend's hair behind her shoulders as she puked into the red and white flower beds.\n"Watch your eyes," another student said while protecting her friend's head and face from the crumbling leaves circulating through the air.\n"You're going to be alright," a third student said while pumping her fist into the air.\nMeanwhile, for the football scene in Memorial Stadium during game time, several Big Ten officials are responsible for moving the bright orange first-down and yard markers -- one Big Ten official is responsible for starting and stopping the game clock. Many of the officials act the role of high school football referee on Friday nights across the Midwest. \n"It's a thankless job; one we enjoy doing," said Big Ten down-marker official Jim Roach. "I've been doing it for probably four years. Of course, it is the best seat in the house; most of the time, it's the most dangerous spot."\nOften seen waving his index finger in a circle into the air, the Big Ten official in charge of maintaining the game clock wears a blue vest and acts as the communication liaison between the officials seated upstairs in the booth and the officials on the field.\n"All I do is start and stop the clock," this official said while standing on the playing surface during a time out; his thumb never hovered from the switch more than a few inches. "On and off -- on and off -- on and off."\nIn front of a sparse sea of Gopher maroon and yellow sheltered in the southwest corner of Memorial Stadium, the Minnesota traveling football fan base was treated to the delightful escapades of the team mascot costumed as a giant gopher with gigantic fur paws and black netting for eyes.\n"Go Gophers, Minnesota love," the mascot inked on the pages of a notebook before drawing a heart. "I am Goldy; and I am from Minnesota; and you are cool." \nNever one to avoid an important task, Army and Air Force IU ROTC soldiers yanked a cannon chain to ignite audience excitement and participation. Army ROTC members, who marched camouflaged while carrying an array of weapons during the Homecoming parade Friday, said the cannon used for football games is nothing compared to the two-foot high M198 Howitzer artillery cannon the U.S. Army uses to fire 96-pound projectiles at an enemy during combat.\n"We shoot off 10-gauge blanks every time they come onto the field or score," sophomore cadet Adam Buehler said. "It's exciting; it always scares somebody. We are here to support the team."\n-- Contact staff writer David A. Nosko at dnosko@indiana.edu.