FEATURE 11
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Photos by Weston White/KANSAN
E IN THE FIELDHOUSE
ron came into class, slightly tardy, and walked past the empty desks at the front of the class and sat in the only seat left in the back of the class," Griffth says. "When the teacher asked him why he didn't sit in the front of the class, Sherron responded "Ain't No Seats". And according to the story, these were some of the only words Sherron said in class all year."
Granted, the signs are a crowd pleaser, but with all
"After our first game using the letters, we figured out that we could spell out other things, too," Griffith says. "My job during games along with my friend John Worley is to yell from one side of the row to the other to get the letters organized correctly and put up at the right time and also to think of new words and phrases we can use to pump up the crowd and the players."
After the event, they story spread quickly and the Battenfeld men felt that it deserved more attention. They went out and bought poster board and started to make the letters for Collins' infamous phrase.
the effort these students put in every game, one might wonder what the purpose is.
"The main point of our letters is to thank Sherron for his four years of hard work for us KU fans," Griffith says. "The most satisfying part of the group is when Sherron looks up at us, points to us, and pumps his fist in appreciation."
"As you may have seen, we are incorporating more than just Sherron now, because we realize that Sherron's reign in Lawrence is nearing its end and are planning for future phrases that will catch on like 'Ain't No Seats' has."
From camping to waving the wheat these fans are not just there for attention, but for the camaraderie that being a fan offers.
Matt Rissien, a senior from Overland Park, attends the games with a stuffed Jayhawk headpiece and even a KU Snuggie on some occasions. For the Missouri game, he
Dressing for the Occasion
also brought a stuffed Tiger hung on a string.
"I like to go all out because I went to a small private school in Kansas City and I was always a big fan, but it was nothing like this level," Rissien said. "Now that I am here I like to go all out and go all crazy."
During the football season, Rissien is a spirit coordinator for Student Union Activities and is in charge of the Hawk Zone, which is a special cheering section for students.
"I'm in charge of the upcoming KU's Biggest Fan contest for SUA, so unfortunately I cannot win, but since I cannot, I like to set the tone for all the other fans to match."Rissien said.
After the Missouri game he represented the KU fan base on Rivals.com in a picture on the front page. The camera was focused on him smiling and proudly holding up his prize: the tiger on a string.
"Everyone knows that KU is spirited, and I try to be one of the most spirited fans;" Rissien said.
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THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
THE WAVE FEBRUARY 1,2010
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