SAAC in ACCtion: Sportsmanship at Boston College

BC's SAAC started an Adopt-A-Team program.

Jan. 14, 2009

In an effort to highlight good sportsmanship around the conference, every two weeks, theACC.com will highlight a specific example of sportsmanship from a different school. This week, the spotlight is on Boston College and the adopt-a-team program.

 
"In my 21 years as part of Boston College athletics, the presence of the adopt-a-team at our meet was one of the greatest things I've ever seen."
--Randy Thomas, BC Women's Cross Country Coach

The Boston College coed ski team supports the cross country program
Boston College is located in one of the most unique settings in all of college sports - a mid-size Jesuit university on the edge of one of the most exciting sports cities in the country. BC's SAAC instituted a new tradition this year called "Adopt-a-Team." Each team is paired up with another team and is charged with being that team's superfans throughout the season. Several of BC's teams compete at off campus locations, which made the appearance of dedicated superfans that much more appreciated by the teams.

The cross country teams compete at nearby Franklin Park and this fall at the New England Championships, the coed ski team came out in spirit to support the cross country teams as they had one of their best finishes ever in the competition. Upon returning to campus, coach Randy Thomas said "In my 21 years as part of Boston College Athletics, the presence of the adopt-a-team at our meet was one of the greatest things I've ever seen. It made the day very exciting for our student-athletes."

The Boston College baseball team with the field hockey team
The home of BC field hockey is a short 1.5 mile jaunt from the main campus, but the trip the baseball team made to see BC take on Northeastern this fall was a memorable one. It was a cold New England evening and the boisterous crowd was led by the 45 member baseball team cheering its adopt-a-team. BC was victorious in the game and after the final whistle, the field hockey team gave an impromptu clinic to several members of the baseball team.

At the most recent ACC Field Hockey Championship, the women's soccer team was competing simultaneously in the ACC Women's Soccer Championship and took the time to pay a superfan visit to the field hockey tournament to cheer on the BC field hockey team.

The Boston College field hockey team supporting the women's soccer team at the ACC Women's Soccer Championship
The memories of wins and losses throughout your collegiate career are undoubtedly marked by those that you share the experience with. Through the adopt-a-team program, BC's teams have had the opportunity to carry the superfan spirit to all of our teams.

These athletes were able to support one another and make a positive game atmosphere for players and fans on top of the over 2000 hours of community service they complete each year.

Boston College Athletics. Pride. Passion. Respect. Responsibility.