I woke up on Sunday still tired and sore. I slowly realized my exhaustion was due to the fandemonium the day before – an afternoon spent cheering on the UW-Whitewater Warhawks to another national football championship, followed by an evening of supporting the Bucks as they took on the Jazz at the Bradley Center. Then I realized why my shoulders and arms were sore and my knees were just a little bit creaky. I had the pleasure of hanging out with the fan famous Squad 6 at the BC Saturday night.
You’ve probably heard about Squad 6, the ultimate fan clan present at all Milwaukee Bucks home games. The group, sponsored by Bucks’ center (and fellow community blogger) Andrew Bogut (#6), had a successful first year during the 2009-2010 season, gaining national attention in publications such as ESPN The Magazine and Maxim. They’re back and bigger than ever this season, with the addition of their very own sports radio show on 1250 WSSP (tune in Thursdays at 7 p.m. resuming January 27). I have been in awe of their energy since the Squad’s inception, but have only been able to admire their fandemonium from afar…until Saturday.
I used some connections to get special all-Squad access and I was ready to go. Or so I thought. Merely minutes into the first quarter, I found myself thinking, “Man, I should have trained for this.” At the very least, I should have stretched. Because once the game is on, the Squad’s tuned in – and up. The yelling and cheering I could handle easily (I am, after all, a high school teacher by day). It was the jumping and fist pumping and rhythmic clapping I found challenging and tiring. I was well aware of my rookie ringer status, however, and worked hard to prove myself worthy of the coveted Squad 6 seat. (Not that I ever sat in the seat…basic Squad 6 etiquette calls for standing only.)
I followed the directives called out by the Squad coordinator, Zak Grim. The guy acts as half coordinator/half coach, and I found I appreciated the latter quite a bit when he yelled, “Seven more minutes, guys! Seven more minutes and then you can rest!” halfway into the second quarter.
I, along with the entire Squad, made it all 48, despite it being tough to stay in it late down the stretch. It was another tough loss for our Milwaukee Bucks. It seems our guys need our support this season – now more than ever. So here are a few things I learned from the leadership of the guys and gals of Squad 6…
1. “Hands up!” It’s an oldie, but a goodie. Your guy’s at the free throw line? Get those hands up to show your support, and get ready to bring them down with a hearty holler when he makes the shot.
2. “DE-FENSE, DE-FENSE!” Another easy rally cry follows the lead of our defensive-minded coach Scott Skiles. Whether prompted by the sound of an organ or not, no defensive possession should go unsupported.
3. “It’s the fourth quarter!” When you hear these words, it’s time to make some noise. Join in with Squad 6 as they ring in the final twelve minutes of regulation with a chorus of “Ohhh! Oh oh oh ohhh ohhh!” Obviously, the words are easy enough. If you’re unfamiliar with the tune, check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7i3WYVrABOc.
So you’ve got the routines and rituals, and now it’s time to bring out the rowdy. Get out there and get into the FANdemonium at the BC!
