Hutchinson Fans Aren’t Shy About Showing Their Support at Championship

By Lizzie Kipp
Campus Editor
Email: thehutchinsoncollegian@gmail.com

CANYON, Texas – The Hutchinson Community College football team faced off against the Iowa Western Reivers for the NJCAA Division I Football Championship on Wednesday, securing a well-earned victory, 28-23.

The entire Blue Dragon crowd was on the edge of their seats, but that didn’t stop them from giving their all. 

It was a chilly night at Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium, with temperatures in the upper 30s and winds up to 15 mph. However, the Hutchinson fans refused to let the weather dampen their spirits. Many arrived bundled in layers and blankets – someone even brought a small heater – but that didn’t lessen their energy, as it remained unmatched throughout the game.

Erin Ellis, an academic advisor at HutchCC who advises football players, was in attendance to support her students. She is close with many if not all of the athletes who played, so she had no choice but to come to Texas and watch them win.

Taking in the pregame atmosphere, Ellis was feeling optimistic about the Blue Dragons’ chances of winning.

“I’m feeling good, feeling really positive,” she said. “It’s a little chilly but really exciting to be here.” 

From the first quarter to the last, the HutchCC fans were energetic and showed their support in many different ways. From shouting encouragements to making signs and shaking noisemakers, the fans made sure to make their presence known. They kept their energy high throughout the game and remained engaged, even during timeouts when many would dance to the stadium’s music. The whole stadium was an atmosphere of electric optimism and excitement. 

The mother of MJ Harrell, a starting cornerback for HutchCC, was one of the most lively fans in attendance. She came prepared with a bag full of noisemakers, specifically cowbells and horns, which she used throughout the game. She and her family made the 16-hour trip from Georgia to see Harrell play.

“Oh, we’re winning. We’ve already claimed it,” she said confidently before the game. “When you speak it into the atmosphere it’s already gonna happen. We’re ready.”

Their manifestation was proved effective hours later when the Blue Dragons won. After the game, loved ones stormed the field to embrace and photograph their players. The field was filled with laughter and tears as they celebrated the unforgettable moment with their champions. 

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