November 2002

Spirit group cheers on the Aggies

You don't have to be either an Aggie or a fanatic to join Aggie Fanatics, a UC Davis sports spirit program that is free to parents and others. It was created in 1999 as an adjunct to Aggie Pack, the fun-filled student spirit group, and now boasts 7,000 members.

"My daughter signed up the day she was born," says Scott Brayton, a proud father who may have had a hand in filling out his daughter's paperwork. As director of athletic marketing and promotions, he helped found Aggie Fanatics.

At age three, Brayton's daughter still doesn't appreciate the benefits of membership, but families of UC Davis students do. These include an e-mail newsletter and game-time giveaways like T-shirts, notebooks and bumper stickers. At some events, Aggie Fanatics are invited to sit and cheer together.

If you live within driving distance, the advantage of joining is obvious. You hear about sporting events that are close to home and fun to watch. Nineteen of the 25 UC Davis sports do not charge admission, and even the most expensive ticket to a UC Davis football game costs only $15. Aggie Fanatics will also alert you to unique opportunities, such as the chance to see a practice or go to a pre-football game barbecue.

If you live far away, you may still want to join. Thanks to the e-mail newsletter, you'll always know about competitions in your area.

Even though Brayton hasn't been a parent for long, he knows another big reason to join Aggie Fanatics. If you want to visit your student without being "too obvious," Brayton notes, you can invite him or her to join you at a game. Or better yet, offer dinner beforehand.

"It's a great opportunity," Brayton says.

To join, visit the Aggie Fanatics Web site for an application form or sign up at a home game. The schedule of Aggie Fanatics events is also on the Web site.

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