Raleigh, NC __ My article promoting this idea is reprinted below for the record.  Ram Man gives a hat tip to all the great Carolina fans who made the effort to join me Behind the Bench.

My friend, Tom Perrone and his son Trey at InsideCarolina.com, came over to video the event for posterity.  Tom, thank you for a job well done.  The following links are provided with Windows Media Player encoding for different bandwidth:

Behind the Bench Video  High Bandwidth

Behind the Bench Video  Low Bandwidth

How did it go?  It was terrific!  Madison Hedgecock (44) and James Gibson (36) came to the fence to thanks us for our support and Jonas Seawright (69) gave us a teammate point from the sidelines.

But you know what?  It seemed that most of the bench had a heads-up about what we were going to do.  There were coaches, players, and support staff left and right looking back at us.  We were clapping our hands and pointing at them... as in thanks.  Thanks for all your hard work and effort.

I'm sure I was looking at genuine appreciation for this kind of support...  the message we were trying to send.  You just had to be there to see it for yourself...  feel it...  the bond between coaches, players and fans.  It was one small moment where we all came together, and we had endured a tough season.

Personally, I think I will do that for every home game, win or lose, from now on.  I hope others will too.  Can this become a new tradition?  As one of the fans who joined this group said, "Ram Man, from acorns grow huge oaks!"

'Behind the Bench', support the Heels
November 6, 2002

Raleigh, NC __ What gives, Ram Man?  Behind the bench?  I had an idea a couple of days ago to show our Tar Heels support and appreciation, even with a season gone bad.  First a little history on the Ram Man roaming Kenan Stadium.  Then I'll explain how the idea came to fruition and what we will do.

The History
Several years ago I began a practice of going behind the Heels' bench area with 3 minutes or so remaining at the home games.  And I did that every year until the renovations closed off a walking path from my seats on the north side of Kenan and behind the west end goal post to behind the Heels.

My purpose was to thank the Heels for their effort in the game, win or lose.  Basically it was directed to the whole team: good game, if we won, or keep your heads up, if we lost.  It was always positive.  It was always for the Heels.

After a couple of years of showing that kind of support, I had an amusing experience.  I forget the year and game, and even the specific player.  But one time as I began my cheers from behind the bench, I believe it was K. Mays who turned and saw me.  Then he broke into this huge grin and pointed at me saying, "Hey man, I've heard about you!"  Mission accomplished.  The Heels had heard all this time and was aware of one die-hard, Carolina fan's support.

Rameses and Ram Man, Maryland game

Another regular practice that started a while back involves our terrific mascot, Rameses.  Somehow we seem to bump into each other at the games.  On this web site I have a number of game photo galleries where you will find us in a picture together.

And we seem to get a picture together on the away games too.  Earlier this season I hopped on the field at the Syracuse game.  Click here and scroll down to bottom of page.  Last year at Clemson I didn't hop on the field until after the game.  But once again Rameses and Ram Man were there.  Click here and scroll down again.  Rameses does one hell of a job.  And I do appreciate him being my friend and covering my back.

If anyone knows Rameses personally, tell him about this plan.  I hope he will join me and other Carolina fans behind the Heels' bench at the end of the Clemson game.

The Plan
With around 3 minutes remaining in the Clemson game, I am walking down behind the Tar Heels' bench to show my support and appreciation for all their hard work and effort this season.  This team has been dealt a tough hand to play, but they come out every game and try their best.  I intend to show them my love for Carolina Football and for their contribution this year.

The best part is that other Carolina fans will join me this time.  The word is getting out.  And I want you to tell your fellow Carolina fans about it.  We don't have to act crazy. We don't have to say a word, especially if the game is still on the line.  Just stand there in unison... and stand behind the Heels.  They will know.  And our presence will speak volumes!  Please stay until the end and join us!

How it came about
I posted my end of Clemson game experience on a popular Tar Heel football message board.  My post was actually in response to an entirely different topic, about what one player allegedly did towards fans at the end of the Maryland game.  But my post was an attempt to not necessarily defend the player, but rather help a frustrated fan base garner some understanding of how the players are feeling. And to offer an alternate way to channel those feelings that may be helpful.  Believe me, the team is taking it hard.  And if fans could ever make a difference, now is the time.

In a previous article, What's a Carolina fan, anyway?, I attempt to help define a Carolina fan.  What these posters, who also go to the games, are saying is we love our Heels, win or lose.  I've talked about Carolina fans becoming more a part of the team.  And that includes doing the little things that can mean so much. The team is growing.

Will you join us?  Will you make the effort to give positive support to the players and coaches?.  We can make a big play, and together we will fight the good fight.  Enthusiasm is contagious.  See you at the game on Saturday.  And I hope to see you 'Behind the Bench'.  Could this be a new tradition?