Skip to main content
The Fitzgerald Twins
Photo by: Asher Vandevort

Buff Nation Mourns Passing Of Superfan Betty Hoover

August 05, 2020 | General, Neill Woelk

BOULDER — They have been as much a part of Colorado Buffaloes Athletics as black and gold, Ralphie, Folsom Field and the Flatirons.

As CU Athletic Director Rick George said Wednesday, "If you know CU Athletics you know Betty and Peggy."

Indeed. For roughly eight decades — yes, 80 years — "The Twins" have been rock-solid devotees of all things CU. Through thick and thin, good and bad, national championships and difficult times, their support and love for the Buffaloes has been unwavering.

They are, of course, Betty Hoover and Peggy Coppom, twin sisters whose devotion to the Buffaloes has been legendary among Buffs faithful.

But truth is, Betty and Peggy have never needed a formal introduction. The Twins have been nationally known and universally loved by every Buffs fan, student-athlete, coach and administrator for years.

Names have been secondary.

Devotion and passion have been their calling card. 

It is why, when word of Betty's passing became public Wednesday morning, every avenue and platform associated even remotely with the Buffaloes poured forth heartfelt condolences and missives. 

"We lost one of our greatest fans today in Betty Hoover, and our thoughts are with her twin sister Peggy and their family," CU Boulder Chancellor Philip DiStefano said. "The twins' dedication, devotion and passion for the Buffs are unmatched, and our entire CU Boulder family will miss Betty's caring and enthusiastic presence."

CU players, past and present, filled social media with their thoughts.

"Thank you for your support, dedication and giving me a shoulder to lean on," wrote Buffs basketball player Evan Battey on Twitter. "You knew what it meant to truly be a Buff. I am forever in your debt."

Natives of the Eastern Colorado town of Haxtun, Peggy and Betty moved to Boulder with their family in the early 1940s. That is when they became acquainted with the Buffaloes,  and a lifelong love affair was born.

Since then, they have attended countless CU sporting events of every stripe. If the Buffs were there, so were Betty and Peggy — in spirit if not in person. Faithfully dressed in matching black and gold outfits and always carrying gold pom-poms, they were a CU constant.

Coaches, athletic directors and players came and went — but The Twins were always, always there.

"It is a sad day for Buff Nation with the passing of Betty Hoover, one of our beloved twins," CU's George said in a statement. "Betty and Peggy Coppom have been attending CU Athletics contests for over 70 years and have been season ticket holders since 1958.  While we have many great fans, none have been more visible and loved than Betty and Peggy.  If you know CU Athletics you know Betty and Peggy. Our hearts go out to Peggy and Betty's extended family today.  Betty is a great Buff and she will be missed."

Buffs student-athletes were emotional in their responses.

"I've never met anyone as loving and supporting and caring as those two," Buffs basketball star McKinley Wright said in a conference call with reporters Wednesday afternoon. "They hold a special place in my heart … They're probably two of the biggest fans in CU history."

Betty and Peggy never played favorites. They bestowed their affection upon every student-athlete and coach in every sport.

But Betty's son-in-law, Bill Mark, said there was always a special relationship between the student-athletes and The Twins.

"They just always had that special connection," Mark said. "After basketball games, players would always stop by and get a hug. Even after they graduated, when the student-athletes would come back, they would find their way to our seats and say hello."

Over the years, Peggy and Betty developed a fan base of their own, a development that made them smile in amusement. But if it meant more attention for their beloved Buffs, they were more than willing to fill the role. From Homecoming parades to special recognition on the Folsom Field scoreboard to T-shirts emblazoned with their likeness, they took on the job of superfans.

It was a well-earned designation.

"Honestly, it was almost like being with celebrities," Mark said with a laugh. "People would stop by to take a picture, get a selfie. The president, the chancellor, the athletic director, coaches, student-athletes, fans — it seemed like everyone knew them and wanted to say hello. When you look back, it's just an amazing legacy."

Throughout their lives, the twins have always been virtually inseparable.

Mark said Betty's last two nights came with Peggy at her side.

"We're struggling right now," Mark said. "But we're also celebrating the wonderful life of a wonderful lady, and the Buffs were such a big part of that life. We will miss her."

No doubt — as will every Colorado Buffaloes player, coach and fan.

 

The family of Betty Hoover has asked that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to either CU Athletics or Sacred Heart of Jesus in Boulder. Gifts to the CU Foundation may be delivered to:

Buff Club

369 UCB Champions Center

Boulder, CO. 80309

Attn: Scott McMichael

A family-only service will be held at a later date. The family also hopes to have a "Celebration of Life" later this fall when circumstances allow.