News Team Boulder

Issue date: 9/25/08 Section: Sports

In 2003, The Big 12 Conference initiated a program called "Compete with Class" to help improve fan and student conduct at sporting events. While The University of Colorado has been on board since the beginning of the program, recently the message has changed. With the help of Tyler Hartung from The HERD, CU's Student Alumni Association, the program slogan has changed to "Compete like a Buffalo." Instead of telling fans what not to do, the program encourages loud fan participation, but asks students to be aware of their cursing and behavior around all the families and small children at the football games.

Since arriving on campus three seasons ago, Football Coach Dan Hawkins has taken initiative alongside the HERD to promote the program. He encourages his football players to compete with class, give the ultimate effort, and to be blue-collar workers. Hawkins knows he can set an example for everyone at CU as well.

The HERD is looking for student ambassadors to be a part of the program. They have also been at pre-game activities, handing out pamphlets and other information to students and fans. While there was an increase in student ejections at last week's West Virginia game, Coach Hawkins applauds the increased enforcement of policies. Working together, the athletic director Mike Bohn, Coach Hawkins, and Tyler Hartung with the HERD are making a push for a change in fan behavior.

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