KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Broncos fans love their football team, especially in the rain. They filled Bronson Park a few weeks ago for the College GameDay pep rally when it rained. The next day, they woke up early and packed Western’s campus, battling the rain and snow for the ESPN show itself.
Thursday was no different.
“Look at this,” said Larry Evans, a fan from Three Rivers. “People in the rain, coming out to cheer this team on to go tomorrow and win.”
Fans lined Michigan Avenue and were bundled up from head-to-toe to send-off the undefeated Broncos to their first Mid-American Conference Championship in over two decades. They brought poms-poms, flags, even engraved oars that read Row The Boat.
“I can’t believe what they’re doing,” said Evans donning a “RTB” winter hat. “The season’s been great. Going for 13-0 tomorrow.”
Friday night the Broncos will face the 8-4 Ohio University Bobcats at Detroit’s Ford Field. Kick-off is set for 7pm. Fans said they’re confident the head coach P.J. Fleck will lead them to victory.
“His enthusiasm, when he sprints up and down the sideline, he’s so energetic,” said Evans. “He brings greatness to the team.”
Under Coach Fleck, the Broncos are currently ranked 13th in the AP poll after going 1-11 last season. His name is frequently mentioned in conversations about job openings at other schools.
“P.J. going to go when it’s time to go,” said Ted Petropoulos. “We’d love to see him stay here but he’s gotta do what he’s gotta do for his career too.”
Petropoulos said Fleck’s brought a lot of “notoriety” to not only the school but to the city. Fans at the rally agreed. They can see the team making it to a bowl game on January 1st. But for now, they’re looking forward to Friday night.
“I think they’re gonna win,” said Evans. “They’re going to play hard. They’ve had a couple of close games where they fought through it and were behind and came back. I think it’s going to be a great game.”
