More Than Just Fans...

2

Seahawks

August 7, 2009 www.rentonreporter.com

more than just fans...

What’s inside: Page 2 - An introduction to the special section and what it was like to work with the Seahawkers Page 3 - An introduction to some of the big additions to the Seahawks this offseason: T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Aaron Curry, Deon Butler and Ken Lucas Page 4 - A column covering Adam McFadden’s 2009 Seahawks season predictions Page 6-7 - Superfan profiles

Page 10 - 2009 schedule and information on tickets/training camp Publisher - Ellen Morrison Section editor - Adam McFadden

Four members of Seahawkers SoCo stand behind a table of Seahawks memorabilia at Touchdowns in Renton. From left to right: Hawkfiend (Bryan Murphy), Mrs. Cowbell (Nancy Campbell), Cowbell Dude (Jimbo Sabado) and Charro Hawk (Efrain Lopez). ADAM MCFADDEN, Renton Reporter

Seahawkers putting the fanatic back in fan BY ADAM MCFADDEN [email protected]

And I thought I was a big fan. Washington State Cougars, Philadelphia Eagles, and yes, Seattle Seahawks, my sports allegiances

run deep. But they are nothing compared to the group of Seahawks superfans that make up the very core of the 12th Man. I’m talking about the fans who begin tailgating at 5:30 a.m. as Nancy Campbell does. The fans

that tattoo images of Seahawks up and down their legs, like Bryan Murphy does. The fans who morph from 65,000 to one on gameday, focused on rattling the brains of opposing players. These people are involved, de-

voted and a little bit crazy. Last year our Seahawks special section focused on the brand new Virginia Mason Athletic Center. This season, it seemed like a natural fit to focus on the very thing that makes sports go: fans. This was especially easy since the Seahawks have such a faithful (and loud) following. I interviewed five of the biggest fans I could find in the area, Bryan Murphy (Hawkfiend), Efrain Lopez (Charro Hawk), Chris Johnson (WeeHawk), Jimbo Sabado (Cowbell Dude) and Nancy Campbell (Mrs. Cowbell). These are people you may have seen, or more likely heard, at games. Their profiles are on pages six and seven of this section. It was fun getting to know them as we spoke, and I was struck by three big similarities in all five of the fans I interviewed. First, they all suffer from severe indecision. When you ask one of them to pick a favorite Seahawk, that is. Trying to get a “maybe Lofa Tatupu, no wait, Darryl Tapp, no wait...” was akin to prying a manhole cover off with a toothbrush – it wasn’t working. Murphy may have said it best (after refusing to give an answer): “That’s like asking who is my favorite daughter.” These fans couldn’t pick one player because they love all the Seahawks too much. It’s as simple as that, yet it took me a couple of interviews to grasp it. Second, it is crystal clear what [ more FANS page 9 ]

We Buy & Sell Sportscards & Collectibles We have ★ Seahawks ★ Mariners ★ Sounders and more at

DJ’s Sportscards Over 21 years in Renton! Visit our store at 1630 Duvall Ave NE, Renton, WA, 98059 Just 3 miles from the Seahawks practice facility! Visit us online . . .

djssportscards.com

One coupon per person. Expires Dec 31, 2009

$2 or less! 249703

ONE FREE SEAHAWKS CARD

249600

Bring in this ad for