They come, they clap, they scream and holler . They are an integral part of most ath letic contests. " They" are known as fans and Hardi ng teams are supported by some of the most enthusiastic fans anywhere. Larry Smith , sports information director at UA-Monticello, has said that " the students of Harding are certainly the most unified of any I have ever seen or been associated with since I became involved in athletics." Fans come in all ages and sizes, from the faculty members to the freshmen and from townsfolk to little chi ldren. They come singly but often in couples as games provide excellent dating opportun ities. Football games are attended in mass with the band and cheerleaders helping everyone to get in the act . Crowd support has perhaps its most influence in basketball as it can erase the visiti ng team's concentration while providing the needed support for the Bisons during a crucial moment. Perhaps the strongest fans are those of the intramural variety. Sister clubs encourage brother clubs and vice versa. Large crowds come out for the championships and · root for their favorites. Maybe their reward is in parti cipation; in feeling a part . Whatever their reward, they rejoice in victory and hold their heads high in defeat. Without fans, what would an athletic contest be? 1. A BASKETBALL GAME provides an ideal dating occasion for Barbara Fisher and Mitch Durham. 2. EXCITED after a first down, the crowd at the Ouachita football game rises to their feet . 3. A VARIETY OF EMOTIONS can be seen at an intramural game as Mark Brasher, Landra Buchanan, Mike Norwood and Sherry Noblin demonstrate during the Theta Tau-King's.\'\en (- team volleyball championship game. 4. FACULTY MEMBERS are some of Harding's most loyal fans. Here, Psychology professor Lew Moore and his little boy watch the basketball game with East Texas Baptist College . Fans • 181
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