In a recent sports illustrated poll, USU spectators were ranked as the most respectful college sports fans in the country. The study found that opposing teams, when coming to USU, felt welcomed and were happy with how they were treated.
“It was really nice to feel everyone’s support,” said Will Conant, kicker for the Air Force Falcons. Conant continued to marvel at how kind the spectators were to him.”All the fans treated us with respect. They were even cheering for us. They cheered their team on, they cheered us on, it was really crazy at how they made us feel like I was at home.”
BYU’s quarterback, Taysom Hill, also noticed the respect from Aggie fans. “Normally after getting beaten so badly, you would think that the other team would rub it in. But, the Aggies seemed to almost feel bad that we didn’t win. There were no rude messages on the internet, no comments on Facebook about how Aggies were really happy we lost, not even Tweets called #BYULost. Aggies have to be the nicest people ever.”
As fans have been nicer at the football and basketball games, the number of opposing team fans have increased. “It seems like they are feeling more and more welcome,” said Jacob Howard, Sophomore at USU. “Granted they do scream and yell at our players, hoping that they mess up. But, we’re just so glad they are coming and enjoying the game like the rest of us.”
Coach Matt Wells felt really proud that Aggie fans are being nice, even though that wasn’t always the case. “Our fans used to be really passionate, I guess is what you would say. They would call the other players stupid when they did something wrong or would cheer so loud that the other team couldn’t help but mess up.” While Coach Wells can appreciate the fans respect, he also wishes that things were back the way they used to be. “I kinda miss the cheering and the excitement, it really pumped up our players.
In the poll USU had the top respectful fan base followed by Oregon, LSU, and Boise State.
