[BelfryPride]

Belfry fans are not nearly as vocal as they were a few years ago, but noone will ever have a bone to pick with their turnout. It has been interesting to watch the Belfry fanbase's changes over the past 10 years.

1998-2001: More hostile, large and loud student section that didn't always behave in the best manner of sportsmanship, expectations to win regional championship, and hopes to compete for State Title. Right in midst of the "Regional Title Curse" where it seemed Pirates couldn't get over the hump.

2002-2004: The last days of Vipperman. 2002 started it with Jonah Caudill's Senior year and Doug Howard's Sophomore year. This began the trend of dueling feature backs and undersized and quick defenses which carried into the Doug/David Championship teams. This was the highest point of Belfry's fanbase as the novelty of having that dominant team with "State Championship Contender" easily evident brought fans out in record numbers. This, coupled with the nostalgia of Death Valley's final games, culminated in 2004 with two of the most unbelievable high school settings I have ever witnessed with the Pburg and Russell games.

2005-present: The CAM era. Thanks to the improved facilities and parking Belfry fans have seen the evolution of tailgating and the comforts of a stadium designed for hospitatlity moreso than intimidation. With the nostalgia of the first State Titles done with alot of bandwagon fans have dropped off, and other fans have became more complacent. Belfry has had their moments though. The "terrible towells" last year(which I think needs a return this weekend!), the 2007 Belfry/JC game, etc... but by and large Belfry's fanbase has became more docile but much more hospitable and reflective of what a Champion should look like.

Awesome post...I have to agree with you on that. This Friday will be cold, but Belfry will turn out in full force for the Russell game! I'm driving in from Lexington for this game as I am for all the playoff games.