The parking lot was crammed full with cars finding any piece of empty land to park. Fans packed the bleachers, which were peppered with purple shirts of avid fans who watched what turned out to be a Crusader loss.
The most dedicated fans paint their bodies the team’s colors - and sophomore Zack Jenkins is a dedicated fan.
“This is the first year I’ve painted up - maybe it was bad luck,” he said. “(Losing) is something we’re not used to this season.”
Nick Antal, a UMHB freshman, watched from the front row of the Couch Cru. He was excited the Crusaders had made it to the semifinals.
“This is the best thing that’s ever happened to us,” he said.
Freshman B.F. Hammons, who plays on UMHB’s junior varsity team, believes it took the Crusaders a lot of practice to get the playoffs but that “it was worth it.” He said the varsity team will go farther when he’s playing for it.
Students weren’t the only ones disappointed about the outcome of the game - communications professor Kerry Owens wanted a win as well.
“I’m very sad,” Owens said. “But I’m proud of the kids and the year we’ve had.”
The Warhawks’ kicker, Jeff Schebler, had his No. 1 fans in the stands - his parents.
His father, Joe, said Jeff was excited to play in the warm Texas weather. Joe, sporting a Warhawks jersey with his son’s number, believes that this is the Warhawks’ year.
“They’re a young team. I think they’ve accomplished a lot more than people thought they would,” he said.
Tom Bovre of Wylie is a 1982 Wisconsin-Whitewater graduate. He attended the game with his son.
“We don’t get a chance to see them that often because we’re down here in Texas,” he said. “It’s kind of neat to drive three hours to see a school you went to in Wisconsin.”
Steve Schoelman and Bob Lewis are proud of the 40 minutes from Austin they traveled to attend the game. Though neither of them have a connection to UMHB, they consider themselves college playoff supporters.
“It’s cool to go to a playoff game, to see the excitement,” Schoelman said.
Lewis agreed.
“When can you get 50-yard line seats at a playoff game?” Lewis said, motioning toward their perfect seats.
UMHB senior Cody Callen became a Couch Cru captain because of his love for the games.
“It’s pretty incredible – I actually didn’t expect it to go this far,” he said.
UMHB fans saw their dreams of a championship disappear with the wind as Whitewater kept putting points on the scoreboard.
“It kind of feels bad because we had such high hopes going into this, but we’ve never beat Whitewater,” John Evans, a senior, said. “That’s the way it goes.”
While UMHB may not be traveling to the Stagg Bowl next week, their fans still have faith in the team.
Sue Weaver is the director of campus recreation and oversees the spirit squad.
“We’ve had a great season, it’s been surprising with the injuries we’ve had,” Weaver said. “They’ve overcome a lot of obstacles and risen to the occasion.”
