It doesn’t just take athletes to be part of The Johnsonian’s Eagle of the Week. It takes the enthusiasm and interest of fans to help show appreciation for the hard work our Eagles do. It’s also something to be recognized for our support over our athletics program.
At the beginning of February, the Big South Sports Conference announced a contest for the Big South Fan of the Year. Students from the Big South universities had to post a photo in their university spirit clothes on Instagram or Twitter at a game with their school hashtag and #BigSouthFOTYContest until Feb. 17. After the finalists were announced on Feb. 18, students from the Big South universities had the chance to vote for their favorite until Feb. 25. Freshmen sports management major Michael Covil had the opportunity to join in the competition, eventually becoming one of those finalists.
“The conference Twitter account posted something a couple of months ago promoting the contest, and I decided to enter because I had plenty of pictures of me in Winthrop gear. Lucky enough I was picked as a finalist,” Covil said.
Covil noted that he believes it is important for students to show up during the games of Winthrop’s sports teams to bond with classmates and show spirit.
“You pay tuition. The least you can do is support the school’s athletic teams, but aside from that Winthrop games are great social events and the best way to show school pride,” Covil said.
One of the reasons for Covil’s enthusiasm is a sense of nostalgia from being a fan of his prior schools’ sports teams and supporting his friends.
“I’ve always been an extremely passionate fan, even back to my high school and middle school days. Being a fan is just a part of my personality, so a contest like this just fit my mold really well,” Covil said.
Covil fondly remembered many moments of the current semester of basketball games for Winthrop University, showing up for home and away games to cheer on the Eagles.
“A few that stick out personally are driving to Gardner-Webb to watch our women’s soccer team in the conference tournament this year, getting in the car at 3:55 [p.m.], literally right after our women’s game, and high-tailing it to Gardner-Webb for a 5 [p.m.] men’s game, I made it by the first TV timeout, and enjoying the weather at baseball and softball games, especially since I’m a huge fan of both sports,” Covil said.
When the Big South Conference announced that Covil was the winner of the 2019 Big South Fan of the Year contest, Covil was proud and thankful for being able to represent Winthrop University.
“It’s a great feeling. Winthrop has an especially strong athletics history, so to be able to represent both the athletic department and the school feels awesome. So many great people have been involved in Winthrop athletics and many great people have come through this university so I feel like I’m not only representing them, but the current body as well,” Covil said.
With the victory from the contest and supporting the Winthrop basketball team, Covil noted and encouraged students to show their school spirit during games and show their appreciation to our athletes.
“I’m just a sports fan, and having athletic teams at my school gives me a reason to support because I feel more connected than say, like a professional team because I know the players, coaches and other fans on a personal level. I’m a quiet, reserved guy, so it’s my way of expressing myself,” Covil said.
