For many people, the feeling of being in their seat and cheering on their favorite team is an experience that isn’t easily put into words.
California State University, Bakersfield Athletics is the core of Bakersfield’s sports scene. Many high school and middle school sports teams will gather to cheer on ’Runners at various games. Elementary students come to the university for Education Day, where parents bring their children to see the Roadrunners in real life.
There is one person that you are guaranteed to see at a CSUB game, and that is Jordan Lovett who goes by the name “CSUB’s Superfan.”
You might have spotted him before, dressed in his blue suit with a bright yellow CSUB t-shirt, yellow wig, blue or yellow basketball shorts, and occasionally a CSUB scarf.
Superfan, who dresses from head to toe in the university’s colors, has been expressing his spirit since 2010.
“I just love athletics and sporting events and being that person to bring that energy to games, someone that can be there for the team. I just love sports,” said Superfan.
Superfan’s energy in the stands can’t be missed. He never skips a chance to get up and dance when the music is on during games, yelling his heart out from his seat, and encouraging fans around him to get “a little bit rowdy.” His spirit doesn’t stop, regardless of whether the game is going good or bad.
“Try to always have good energy even if you’re losing a game. Be focused that it isn’t over until the end, miracles and crazy things can happen in sports all the time. Cheer on your team and teammates. Just give it your all,” said Superfan.
And Superfan sure gives it his all to get the crowd pumped, running up and down the stands – he is hardly sitting in one spot. Superfan is one of the first in the stands to throw up the ’Runners’ hand sign to show the athletes that the crowd is supporting them.
“You never know the outcome. You come to play. You don’t look at stats, and sometimes it outweighs it,” Superfan said.
Superfan shared the motivation behind his spirit for CSUB Athletics.
“Letting the team know that there are others there to motivate them through up and downs of games. Like ‘hey there’s still someone in the crowd that still believes in us.’ I remember doing a cheer and getting the crowd going through the end,” Superfan said.
One cannot ignore the cheers that are usually started by Superfan. He encourages students to come and support CSUB Athletics when they can.
The Runners compete at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I. CSUB athletics also has promotions for students to receive.
“All events are free. Just knowing when the things are happening, they get to know it first. Members will get exclusive messages, they get it sent out first before all campus receives the message,” said CSUB spirit coordinator, Arthur Smith.
Students can sign up to stay informed on all things regarding athletics on campus through Runner Nation.
“It would be great to see more students,” Superfan said.
Students can witness Superfan’s energy, spirit, and being the loudest in the stands the next time they attend an athletics game.
