Early Saturday evening, students walked into the Phyical Activities Center ready to attend the USI Varsity Club and Alumni Association Soup & Hot Dog Supper. For over 20 years, the supper has been hosted to kick-off the spring semester and show support for USI’s men’s and women’s basketball teams.
A crowd of smiling faces, one of which belonged to Taylor Wischmeier, welcomed students entering after the game. As a forward and center on the men’s team, Wischmeier looked thrilled about the victory the Eagles had just managed to claim over Drury.
“The win was definitely big and the fans were great,” Wischmeier said.
The supper served as a post-game show of support for the team and a victory celebration for everyone involved. Wischmeier counts the continued support of the alumni, fans and families as a major factor in the Eagles ability to succeed both at home and on the road.
“A lot of teams come in here to play and have hardly anyone to cheer for them,” Wischmeier said. “We are fortunate in the fact that we have fans that are willing to follow us on the road.”
Harriet Gentry, a volunteer at the supper and member of “The Traveling Fans,” is one of many who choose to proudly follow her team on the road.
“There are about 10 of us that go to every ball game,” Gentry said. “We’ve been everywhere from Kansas City to California, and we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.”
Although Gentry is not an alumni or a parent to any of the team members, the volunteer feels extremely connected to both the university and the players.
“The young men and women are so appreciative of the fan support,” Gentry said. “When they’re on the road and away from their families, we become their home away from home”.
The makeshift community was present among all in attendance at the supper. As Joanie Jost leaned over her table to hand one of the team members a hot dog, she congratulated him.
“I have worked at this university for over 15 years, and I am beyond proud of it,” Jost said. “Once you come here you fall in love and you never want to leave. This supper is really just a labor love, we are all family here”.
