Scott BresslerTeams do not know what hits them whenever the Bears’ volleyball offensive and defensive machine goes into action. With rapid-fire kills, dazzling digs and swift sets, the Bears storm the court. This shock and awe is not just delivered by the players, but also by loyal fans like junior Gary Palmerson.
A marketing major with a minor in Spanish, Palmerson, of Trenton, N.J., is a familiar sight at the front row of any home game with his whiteboard and marker.
“It’s difficult for the players and coaches to keep a straight face when his creative juices are flowing,” said Head Coach Rich Luenemann.
It all started on a regular Friday night. Gary had never attended a volleyball game before, as his high school did not have a team, but he heard that the Bears, with their storied eight national championships, were a great team. On a whim, he decided to check out the Field House.
After watching the Bears play the game they love while having fun, Palmerson was hooked. He went back to another game and continued hanging out with two baseball players who were using their whiteboard to cheer on the Red and Green.
“When I saw them do that, I really wanted to do that too,” said Palmerson.
Those players graduated last year, so Palmerson took up the board this year.
That whiteboard has carried many interesting messages and designs throughout the season. One of the regular messages is an ace of spades when a Bear gets an ace. In recent games, he’s proposed to senior Haleigh Spencer, wrote down ‘Don’t Hassle the Hoff’ in reference to freshman libero Ali Hoffman and ‘Paco your card matches your shirt’ in reference to a red card handed to Paco Labrador, Head Coach of Wittenberg University.
That is when trouble appeared in the form of the referee and coaches, as some guidelines do exist governing the conduct of fans. In general, using specific names in a negative light or launching specific attacks are against the general guidelines. Curse words are also prohibited.
Then there are ardent fans of the opposing teams who might start yelling at Palmerson. At 6 feet 5 inches, Palmerson is not easily intimidated.
“I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing so long as the refs don’t yell at me,” said Palmerson.
There are other difficulties with being a volleyball fan. One of the problems with a fast-paced sport like volleyball is that by the time an appropriate thought is written down or a cheer is started, the moment could be over. In basketball, there are twenty-four seconds for the ball to travel across the court, whereas in volleyball, it is one-two-three and then the ball is over the net.
At times, balls hurtle towards the stands closely followed by a diving player. Palmerson has never had a girl land on him or been hit by a ball, but whenever a ball does come close, he automatically pulls the board away to prevent a collision.
Of course, there are benefits from watching an entertaining game. Palmerson has gotten a few free shirts and some free food but it is more about the actual game.
“The girls definitely appreciate anybody who comes to their games,” said Palmerson. “They still thank me after three years.”
Gary continued to relate a story about bumping into senior Haleigh Spencer in his freshman year at The Cheesecake Factory, where she introduced him to his parents and was thankful for his support.
Palmerson is currently dating Ali Crouch, a junior on the team. But he was supporting the team long before the relationship began, and they have been friends since freshman year.
“He doesn’t come to the games for me entirely, though I think he’d be on the sidelines even if I weren’t there,” said Crouch. “Mainly he is there to amuse our team and fans.”
The team and fans do react, with the Bears breaking into smiles and sometimes laughter.
“He really pumps us up,” said sophomore Laura Brazeal.
Parents have come up to Palmerson afterwards to share their appreciation. Some of the youngest fans of the Wash. U. team like to sit right by him and watch as he works his magic.
When he is not at volleyball games, Palmerson is an active member of Theta Xi fraternity. Here at Wash. U. he does not play any sport, but he ran track and field and played baseball throughout high school. He plans to attend the national championships at Illinois Wesleyan University if the Bears qualify.
“It’s been fun, fulfilling and gracious for the chance to support the team,” said Palmerson.
One of his most memorable moments as a fan was when he dug a Haleigh Spencer spike during a pickup game.
“It kind of hurt, but my happiness was way too big to feel the hurt,” he said.
“When Gary graduates, I hope the white board stays and becomes a Bears volleyball tradition,” said Luenemann. “We’ll take a million fans like him any day.”
The Bears’ next home game is on Oct. 26 at the Bears Classic, though they will be playing at the University of Missouri-St. Louis on Oct. 17. Whenever you go to a game, just look for a whiteboard, and you will see Gary Palmerson, super fan.