The University of Colorado's sportsmanship program "Compete Like a Buffalo" continues this week at Folsom Field with Thursday's gridiron matchup against West Virginia University at 6:30 p.m.
"We want to encourage Buff fans to be the best fans in the nation: that means having pride in our program, passion at the games and respect toward other fans attending Folsom Field," said Tyler Hartung, program manager of The Herd and organizer of this year's Compete Like a Buffalo campaign.
Since the game will be broadcast nationwide on ESPN, the Compete Like a Buffalo campaign is encouraging fans to show up early, wear black and cheer loudly. Fans are also encouraged to be aware of their game day actions, especially around children and opposing fans. While CU wants to win on the field, it also wants the campus to be a welcoming environment to all fans on game day.
"There are two types of class -- first class and no class," said CU football coach Dan Hawkins. "Competition is about respect and testing your limits of poise and performance. Anything less than your best diminishes a positive experience."
Compete Like a Buffalo, formerly called "Compete with Class," was initiated by the Big 12 conference in 2003. CU has been an active participant since that time, in an effort to promote pride, excitement and respect among students, fans and players alike.
"We know emotions run high on game day, we want that from Buff fans," Hartung said. "At the same time we want to encourage fans to make sure everyone enjoys the game by not cursing around children or belittling visiting fans."
Compete like a Buffalo messages will be placed in newspaper ads, on posters and distributed through student e-mails. BuffVision game day messages will be aired encouraging positive fan behavior.
A hotline, 303-735-2833, will be available to fans once again this year to report unruly behavior.