What is a fan?

THURSDAY @ C.C.

-What is a fan?

-Hey, Jude (ain't playing bad...)

.

We hope that UofL fans never get to the point where they start burning jerseys. Maybe during the end of the Kragthorpe or Cooper years, it was considered...but, stay classy...Louisville. Always.

.

WE like to refer to ourselves here at CARDINAL COUPLE as the fan voice for women's sports. We do get a lot of feedback and comments from UofL fans (and other fans) and try to present articles and reports to you from the fan point of view. What exactly is a fan, though? Each person probably has their own definition of "fan" WE like the one below:

.

A fan never boos players or officials. A fan appreciates a good play, no matter who makes it. A fan knows the school or organization gets the blame or praise for HIS conduct. A fan recognizes the need for more good sportsmanship and less taunting.

.

Sometimes, it isn't easy being a fan. Some of the trips we've taken to watch Louisville teams on the road have really tested the principles above. WE could go into details on specifics and you probably have your "road stories" to tell as well...but what's the point? You're there to watch a sporting event. Act like you've been there before.

.

Booing happens. Sometimes, a play or player...call or decision can get your blood boiling. Booing isn't going to help the situation and it never reverses a call or play. I was a fierce "boo-bird" at one time in my life. I've learned that it doesn't help, only frustrates and creates a tense situation. I almost got my brains bashed in once on the road for unsavory remarks and got tossed out of a contest many years ago on the road for boorish behavior. I no longer "boo". Try positive reinforcement next time instead of bashing. You're going to feel a whole lot better, believe me.

.

Enjoy good plays no matter who makes them. These are college kids. 99% of them won't make a living at hitting jumpers or stealing bases. They're students. Marvel at the ability, no matter which team or player is performing it. Recently, a young freshman guard came into the KFC YUM Center and had a "lights out" performance against the LADY CARDS. I enjoyed her skills.

I applauded her efforts.

.

You are a representative of the team you cheer for. Try to leave a positive attitude and feeling amongst the rival fans after you leave their venue. We've made some great friends over the years in different cities by bring proud of our team but not critical of our opponent. They love their team just as much as you do yours. Celebrate that fanaticism and have some fun with it.

.

Being a good sport isn't hard. It's easy to appreciate what your team does, acknowledge the successes of your opponent and celebrate a win. Never dwell on a loss. There will be another game down the road and no one goes undefeated forever. (Except Connecticut women's basketball). Back your team in the good times and in the bad. Things change in sports. Let your support remain constant and positive. The players will appreciate it.

.

**********************************************************************************************

.

Shoni Schimmel's little sister Jude is off to a wonderful start in her senior year playing basketball for Portland (OR) Franklin. A BIG thanks to Mal Van Meer of K Hoops for this update on Jude:

.

Schimmel has played in six games as of 12/26. Look at these numbers...

.

vs. McNary. 33 points in a 77-55 loss.

vs. Parkrose. 26 points in a 59-45 loss.

vs. Liberty. 26 ponts in a 66-43 loss.

vs. Sandy. 37 points in a 82-73 win.

vs. Cleveland. 23 points in a 54-41 win.

vs. Madison . 31 points in a 42-39 win.

.

Jude is averaging 29 points per game....tops in Oregon 5A. Check out this stat line from the Sandy game...

.

SCHIMMEL, JUDE 35 points. (5) 3-pointers. 15 rebounds. 11 steals.

.

Jude Schimmel is undeclared for college as of now. Sources report that Louisville and South Carolina are showing heavy interest. Jude has stated that she like to continue playing in college with her sister and teammate of three years in high school... Shoni Schimmel.

.

Have a great senior season, Jude. Enjoy your successes and those of your sister at Louisville. When the time comes to make a college choice, you'll know what to do.