Diehards: Dan Reynolds and Peter Bengtsson

Posted by admin on Apr 13, 2010 in Featured Articles | 1 comment

For anyone who’s attended a men’s basketball game in the last few years, you’re probably familiar with Dan Reynolds and Peter Bengtsson. The two can be found sitting courtside at every home game, many away games, and a few other sports events dotted around the calendar.
For Bengtsson, who credits Space Jam for the birth of his love of hoops, and Reynolds, who’s favourite pre-game hobby is talking up opposing players with the hopes of getting into their heads, the superfan badge is worn proudly.

“I could say flippantly that there’s nothing better to do on a Friday night, and that’s why we’re at every game” explains religious studies major Reynolds, “but we have a very successful athletic program, and student athletes that are worth cheering for.”

Though their job can be a controversial one, Bengtsson, a business major, says his criticism of opposing players is all based in fact. “I only make comments on things like statistics, or how well siblings are doing in comparison – some people just sit there quietly and observe the game. But true fans are those that are paying attention and voice their observations.”

For both, the secret to a great chirp is to tailor it specifically for that player. “It’s about doing your research before the game – finding embarrassing facebook photos, or getting actual cell phone numbers and calling them,” says Bengtsson. Reynolds likes to read opposing players’ online bios to give him some personal ammunition.

Though they’ve got their fair share of detractors, Reynolds revels in the fact that through some well-timed and well-worded jeers, the sixth man can enter the game. “It’s always a victory when the opposing player acknowledges you and starts focusing on you and not the job. That’s when I know I’ve done my job. And then you start the ‘We’re In Your Head’ chants.” – J.H.