Syracuse fans turn out to attend team’s open practice
Nate Shron | Staff Photographer
ATLANTA — A little more than 24 hours before Syracuse is set to take on Michigan, Orange fans came out to the Georgia Dome to watch the team’s open practice.
The practice took place on Thursday from 2-3 p.m. and was free and open to the public. A few thousand people spread out in the lower level of the stadium, consisting of a mix of Syracuse and Michigan fans — the Wolverines practiced after.
Orange fans who were at the practice seemed to be a mix of Syracuse University alumni and people from Central New York.
Lonnie Speaks, who’s originally from the Finger Lakes area but now lives 25 minutes north of Atlanta, said the practice was “great” and that he’s enjoying the Orange’s run in the NCAA Tournament.
“It’s my team,” he said. “I’m here to support them.”
That’s the same reason Meg Bertram, a 2009 alumna, went to the practice. Bertram is originally from Massachusetts and is now a graduate student at Emory University.
“How can I not come out?” she said. “I’m so excited that they’re here.”
She added that the Orange put on a more entertaining and energetic practice than Louisville.
Bertram said she wasn’t sure if she’s going to the Final Four matchup Saturday, citing the cost of tickets.
The practice seemed very relaxed, matching the atmosphere in the Georgia Dome, until the very end.
With about 45 seconds left on the clock, Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim and the basketball team gathered near center court in a huddle, and then waved to the crowd.
Orange fans gave the team a standing ovation, as the band blared the Syracuse fight song and the team walked off the court.
Jurrie Lulofs, a 1984 alumnus and secretary of the Syracuse University Alumni Club of Atlanta, said he went to the practice to check out where his seats are for the game and to get into the “feel” of the Final Four.
He said he’s originally from Rochester, N.Y., and moved to Atlanta six years ago.
Said Lulofa: “Now it’s in your backyard, so you have to go.”
Published on April 5, 2013 at 7:54 pm
Contact Dylan: dmsegelb@syr.edu | @dylan_segelbaum
