Sportsmanship campaign introduced at The University of Texas at Austin

August 22, 2006

AUSTIN, Texas—The University of Texas at Austin has introduced “Texas Fans Make Us Proud,” a campaign aimed at promoting a higher level of sportsmanship among sports fans.

The campaign results from a year-long project initiated by the Texas Exes, the alumni organization of The University of Texas at Austin, who convened students, alumni, band and spirit groups, athletics staff and others to develop the theme and a plan to promote it.

“We want to set a high standard for sportsmanship and enlist the help of our very best fans to help us do that,” said Jim Boon, executive director of the Texas Exes. “Fan conduct is an important issue, in our country and around the world. We want to be among the leaders in trying to promote exemplary fan behavior.”

The campaign was introduced at an Aug. 22 news conference that included comments by University of Texas at Austin President William Powers Jr., Men’s Athletic Director DeLoss Dodds and Women’s Athletics Director Christine Plonsky. The campaign theme will be shown on t-shirts, banners, cups, Jumbotron images and vehicles as well as displays at the Austin Bergstrom International Airport.

Detailed information about the campaign is available at the Texas Exes Web site.

“Our university has had tremendous success in athletics, and the support of our fans has been a big part of that,” Powers said. “It is important that our fans recognize that—like our athletes—they contribute to the reputation of our great university. We want all of our fans to demonstrate class, courtesy and respect for our competitors.”

The committee offered guidelines and suggestions for fans who wish to contribute to the sportsmanship initiative:

1. Monitor your alcohol consumption.
2. Treat visiting players, cheerleaders, band members and fans with respect and warmly welcome them to Austin.
3. Be aware that your actions have an impact on children. Foul language and demeaning comments toward the opposing team are unacceptable.
4. Inform ushers if you see inappropriate fan behavior.
5. Be a passionate fan. Support your team with enthusiasm.

“Our goal is to make university sporting events the model for safety, civility and team pride,” Boon said.

For more information contact: Erin Crook, 512-471-3805; Don Hale, 512-471-3151.