Whether you attended a big high school with a strong athletics program known for dominating on the field or court, or you went to a small school that could barely field a football team, you’re probably well aware of the popular student section. Student sections are an undeniably important part of the game experience. We see it here at the University, where the student section is a part of football, basketball and hockey games. We also see it in another sport: soccer.
“The Official supporter group of the BGSU Men’s Soccer team,” The Cochrane Crazies is a group of students dedicated to cheering on the men’s soccer team. Although this group is just a few years old, the group has maintained its focus and purpose of solely supporting the Men’s Soccer team. Its followers are passionate about the sport of soccer and the men’s team at the University.
The group began in 2012 on Facebook as a small supporter group for the men’s soccer team. The group was then known as the Cochrane Clan, a reference to Cochrane Stadium, the home of the men and women’s soccer team. Their purpose was essentially the same then as it is now: support the men’s soccer team to the best of its ability.
The organization has since evolved into the Cochrane Crazies, referring to the famed Cameron Crazies of Duke University. The group is currently led by Jason Samuelson.
Student sections that crowd a school’s bleachers range from big to small, but their mission is almost always the same. They show up and show out to support their school’s athletics teams, cheering them on to victory with classic, widely-used chants or even ones more signature to their school (Ay Ziggy, guys?). The Cochrane Crazies are no different.
“The purpose of the Cochrane Crazies is to improve the atmosphere and the competitiveness of the men’s soccer team,” Samuelson said. “It adds a layer of support on top of the parents and regular fans. When we’re there, the guys perform better, and it makes the game atmosphere greater.”
Regardless of what chants, gestures, or activities the group performs, members say the best part of the student section is being loud, vocal and almost raucous. The noise level can sometimes mean the difference between winning and losing. Students get to be creative, and even a little humorous.
Through their cheers, the Cochrane Crazies meet their goals of supporting and inspiring the fans in the seats and the players on the pitch.
They have social media presence on Facebook and Twitter (@CochraneCrazies), with posts providing updates to schedules and rosters and interacting with fans.
In a short few years, the group’s impact is starting to be felt. Their Twitter account has nearly 200 followers, is officially recognized by University and is steadily growing.
