After being dismantled over a year ago for inappropriate behavior, the loud and crazy Bobcats are flooding Burt Khan Court, cheering on and supporting Quinnipiac athletic teams. The resurrected organization is now under advisement by the Student Government Association and athletics director Jack McDonald.
“We’re really glad this group is back and ready to support the program,” McDonald said.
The group made its first appearance at the men’s basketball game against Central Connecticut this past Monday.
Three students took the initiative to bring back the club, in particular sophomore SGA members Kathleen Swift and Dee Mastronardi, as well as Kevin Sokolski. Their goals are to improve the school’s spirit and raise the awareness of the athletic department. Although the crazy bobcats are usually seen at basketball and hockey games, the organization wants to be equally supportive to all the Quinnipiac teams.
“We want all of campus to be excited and interested in QU athletics, ” Swift said.
The hype is not only for fans. The players are ecstatic the club is back in action. In fact, senior forward C.J. Vick was shocked when he heard of the abrupt return.
“I didn’t know until you told me,” Vick said. “It’s good to look forward to.”
Although they want the excitement level to skyrocket, there are conduct rules as well as regulations imposed by the NCAA and NEC that members must abide by. Students are to conduct themselves in a professional manner, obey the rules of Burt Kahn Courtv and show sportsmanship. For instance, members are not allowed to sit behind the opposing teams’ bench or make inappropriate remarks or comments. Some of these violations resulted in the termination of the club over a year ago.
“Those folks did a great job, but stepped over the bounds a few times,” McDonald said.
Despite these past accusations, past members are welcomed to join the new organization with the understanding that they are responsible for their actions.
“We want enthusiastic fans, but not to the point where the Crazy Bobcats become a detriment to athletics,” Swift said.
“Just come to the games and wear your gold shirts,” McDonald said.
If these flaws are mended and the squad becomes immensely popular around campus, the hope is to have a strong foundation of bobcat fans for the new $25 millionsports complex scheduled to open in January 2007.
“They’ve always given us a lift and have supported us,” Vick said.
Although it is in the early stages of having official meeting times and effectively advertising the club is in the works, McDonald is confident the new and improved Crazy Bobcats will rise to the next level.
“It will be very structured, but also we want to be enthusiastic,” McDonald said.
