By Amanda Egbert
Hardcore is an understatement when describing the late-night scene at the West Stadium Fields.
?My toes are numb, my nose is freezing and my fingers are cold, but it is worth it for the love of intramural football,? said Jenna Robbins, a junior, from Marietta, Ga., majoring in English.
The last standing intramural football teams battle it out for the championship T-shirt, but the real people to admire are those lining the sides of the field.
Down jackets, beanies and gloves are extra accessories vital to survival while watching the intramural finals.
Between the snow, rain and frost, fans can see their every exhaled breath. Die-hard football spectators brave the elements in support of their respective teams.
?You know it is cold outside, but I am fired up,? said Kristin Hruska, a senior from Sugar Land, Texas, majoring in Elementary Education.
The battle for a title and glory of victory drives the players, but what is it that brings out their supporters to the field week after week?
For some it is the intimate feeling that is unattainable through other athletic organizations.
?I like intramural stuff because it is more personal,? said Sean Summerhays, a sophomore from San Diego, Calif. double majoring in Latin American Studies and Information Biology. ?You can get into the games more because you get to know the people. You get to know what is happening and what they are thinking because you know them and you know if they are mad or happy.?
Others come for the apparel.
?You know I just come for the spandex, that?s really all I want to see,? said Tom Swapp, a senior from Denver Colo., studying economics.
Some fans are avid followers, no matter the team or time.
?Intramural sports are a very important part of my life,? said Julie Lewis a math education student from Driggs, Idaho, who was festively adorned in what she describes as a cream puff jacket and white ?Russian special? fur hat. ?I am very passionate about them. I come to the football fields at about five in the afternoon and stay until 12 at night to make sure I catch all the games.?
For other fans intramural football is life.
?Intramural football makes me whole,? said Erin Capone, a junior from Brewster, N.Y., majoring in Nursing. ?It makes me want to be a better person and just go out there and do it for the team. I love playing it, I love watching it and I breathe it.?