F.A.N.A.T.I.C.S. Earn Club of Year Honor in First Year

South Euclid, OH – May 26, 2005 - First-year clubs have numerous hurdles to jump over and the Falcon F.A.N.A.T.I.C.S. encountered several as they entered into their first year in 2004-05.

Led by co-presidents James Schleicher and Will Cleveland, advisor Kristy Booher and coaching representative Kevin Bille, what started as a crazy idea at the begininng of fall semester, grew into much more as the academic year continued and concluded in the spring with the Club of the Year award.

With so many student clubs deserving of the award, it was an honor for the F.A.N.A.T.I.C.S. to be recognized during their inaugural year.

"Part of the reason the F.A.N.A.T.I.C.S. received the award was because of their visibility on campus," said Booher. "I think the members really became true fanatics. No other group on campus was seen with painted faces and spirited costumes on a regular basis. I commend the members for their willingness to do their own thing."

"We worked our butts off," said Schleicher. "We were out there day in and day out giving 100 percent no matter win or lose."

"It's all about friendly competition here and we love it," said Cleveland about the courtside antics such as the anti-foul shot pyramid, the wave, the Rocco worm and various choreographed timeout dances.

"You know people are watching you and you're doing something that's never been done before when officials at a lacrosse game come over and talk to you," said member Rocco Cononico.

The lacrosse, volleyball and basketball teams were just some of the Notre Dame College athletic teams that benefitted from the support of the F.A.N.A.T.I.C.S. Many opponents were distracted by the members, while many NDC parents, faculty and staff members were amused by the group.

"All throughout the basketball season, non-members laughed at the F.A.N.A.T.I.C.S. and couldn't see themselves participating in the fun, but by the final home game, every single NDC person in the gym was on their feet in the remaining minutes cheering with the F.A.N.A.T.I.C.S.," said Booher. "It was a great sight to see so many people get involved and have a good time."

"I love being a fan and I love rooting for my friends and going crazy," said Schleicher.

"Next year we are going to come up with new and better ideas," said Cleveland. "We're also going to try to recruit some crazy people who are willing to get down with us and go all out."

Membership is open to any current Notre Dame College student who has a willingness to cheer at home athletic events. No one will be discriminated against because of limited dance skills or a lack of rhythm.

Anyone interested in joining the group for the 2005-06 academic year should contact Kristy Booher at kbooher@ndc.edu.

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