Welcome to IU. A long and arduous journey awaits incoming freshmen, while experienced students look to continue their trek through this world we call college. With this coming of age comes the inevitable necessity to take responsibility. \nAcademic, financial and legal issues now rest upon all of our shoulders as we make our way toward full-fledged adulthood. Pretty heavy, huh?\nBut we all have another responsibility that we accepted once we made the decision to become Hoosiers. It is one that involves knowing the IU fight song, being able to quote statistics and viewing footage of an infamous chair flying across the court at Assembly Hall. We have the responsibility of being IU sports fans.\nBut that doesn’t mean you have to cry every time an IU athletics team loses. Nor does it mean you have to overturn cars if the Hoosiers happen to make an NCAA championship run. \nBeing an IU sports fan actually only requires that you bleed crimson. And since we can all prove that we do, we are already most of the way there. The extra intensity with which an IU student cheers for the crimson and cream can vary from person to person. Here are a few of the options.\nThe Moderators\nWhile these fans generally support the Hoosiers in their athletic endeavors, they are also realists. They know the statistics, tendencies, strengths and weaknesses of each opponent, and claim to know when IU is overmatched. Moderators carry an annoying “I-told-you-so” look when IU suffers a defeat and yet celebrate Hoosier victories as if they knew the outcome all along. Such people have the best of both worlds.
Win Big or Die Hard\nHoosier losses are agonizing for these fans. When the Hoosiers lose, they will spend most of the evening sitting in a bathtub of lukewarm water waiting for the shame of defeat to soak out of them. Hoosier victories, on the other hand, are ecstasy. Who needs drugs if the Hoosiers win? Not these fans, whose adrenaline is pumping as though they were shot from a cannon. They can usually be identified by shirtlessness, red and white body paint and tendencies to yell obscene things at anyone wearing black and white stripes.
The Free Riders\nYou won’t see much of these fans. They keep their heads down and go about their business, paying little attention to IU sports –\nuntil the Hoosiers win. Then they will attend every victory party, taking advantage of the high spirit of others and hoping to get a free beer or two. The party is always better after a win, and the opposite sex is more open-minded. You think they’re missing out on that? No way.
The Tailgaters\nFor whatever reason and in the midst of rain, sun, sleet or snow, these fans love the taste of charred hamburgers and hot dogs before enjoying any IU sporting event. Be it football, soccer, volleyball or tennis, if an IU sports team is in action, they will have a cold beer in one hand and a spatula in the other. Actually going to the event is unnecessary as long as there is a radio nearby to follow the action.\nAll of these roles can fulfill your duty to IU. But, however you cheer for the Hoosiers, remember to scream as loud as you can when the team needs your help, and be there for them in times of trial. The bleeding crimson part just comes naturally.
