The O-Zone might cause a stir inside The Convo when the Bobcats decide to shoot a few hoops with visiting Mid-American Conference foes, but nothing can compare with how the Earth itself seems to shake when Gang Green gets going in Bird Arena.
When the Ohio hockey team stretches the twine, no one yells louder than Gang Green: HEY! You guys aren't so good
we're going to keep making you look bad your parents and your favorite significant other too! Or something like that.
For the same $15 that will get you a spot in the O-Zone, Gang Green members get a snazzy green jersey, primo seats for heckling the visiting team's goalie and foes who find their way to the penalty box, plus a chance to get crazy every time the Bobcats stuff one in the net, which, as it so happens, is quite often.
You want dedication? Gang Green members still have to drop $4 to get into every game on top of that section fee. Why do they pay it? Gang Greeners are hockey fans, and we all know that hockey fans are the best of the best.
I don't even play for the hockey team, and I still get a little shook up when Gang Green gets going. Sure, I might just be fearing death because of the Bird Arena press box falling in on itself, but imagine how it must feel to be a visiting hockey team.
So, O-Zone, much respect to you, but when it comes down to the battle of the craziest fans at Ohio, I'll make sure Gang Green warms up the bus for you.
Subhed: 'Convo Crazies' of the O-Zone get flat-out mean, trump Gang Green
by Kevin Wiseman
The O-Zone is by far the best student section here in Athens. No disrespect to the Gang Greeners, but the O-Zone is where the excitement is at.
It's fun to watch the O-Zone's antics during a game. You have to love it when they turn their back on opposing teams introductions to read a newspaper and when they get the rest of the crowd excited as well by bouncing up and down on critical defensive possessions late in the game.
The players have acknowledged that the O-Zone is a big part of the atmosphere that has helped the Bobcats put up a sparkling 11-1 home record this season. And what is better than the 'winning team, losing team' chant at the end of an Ohio win?
It's easier for the O-Zone to get in opposing players heads because it's literally on top of the players. Not even two weeks ago, the O-Zone got in the head of Western Michigan's Ben Reed enough for him to twice acknowledge the crowd. Anytime a player spends even a second acknowledging the O-Zone, the O-Zone has won the battle.
The O-Zone has also helped create a rivalry the last few seasons with Akron, as well. The fans got to Zips standout Andy Hipsher enough to make him respond to the O-Zone's antics. The fans didn't stop with Andy, though. They went after his dad, former Akron coach Dan Hipsher. Then the O-Zone took it a step further when it chanted Granny Hipsher at coach Hipsher's mother, who was sitting behind the Akron bench. Classic.
So, talk to me when the Gang Greeners pull off something like that. Until then, the O-Zone is the best student section in Ohio sports.
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Mark Shugar
Get your green on: Bird Arena houses the best Ohio fans on campus
