I am curious about your comment on the different types of UCONN Fans, as this seems to be something quite unique to your fan base. Since I started following this site, I've found it interesting to read about so and so being characterized as a Men's, Women's(Bball), or Football Fan. I've even read of some posters being characterized as soccer fans or other olympic sport fans only. While we do have this a bit at our school(PSU), with some fans who's primary interest is wrestling, hockey or volleyball, most still support the entire AD especially football.
As for your main point, I agree that most B1G Traditionalists were not initially thrilled with additions coming from outside of The Midwest. I'm sure there were a large number of fan who would have preferred a KU/MU addition over Rutgers/MD. As a PA Resident I could not be happier. I do agree that UCONN, despite its current football reputation, would have found acceptance more easily than RU. You guys would have been perceived to have brought more athletic value with top tier basketball and hockey. I think even the most casual fan realizes that RU and to a lesser extent UMD were business decisions made to amass viewers, dollars, and recruiting territory. If they can become competitive long term that will be considered a bonus. I believe that UCONN brings a lot of value with an all around strong AD, and a nice sized market. I think the only thing holding you back is another comparable school stepping up to be #16. I still think it happens.
I understand the B1G's reason for adding Rutgers ,I was the far west Rutgers apologists for their move. Unlike the Knight bashers of the BY, I'm well aware that the addition of Rutgers to the B1g increases the chances of a UConn inclusion.. Al-though we have a few NJ retirees out here, none of them could remotely pass as a Rutgers fan. Maybe they are but won 't admit it.
I don't want to insult you but Penn State as a NJ neighbor isn't the typical B1G school fan I had in mind.I'm sure you guys were thrilled with the Eastern pickups,and actually had familararity with the status of Rutgers. If the average PSU fan wasn't aware Rutgers was the state University of NJ then Rutgers PR was beyond bad.
To answer your first question there really is a difference in fans of various UConn Sports.
That difference is mainly in the intensity level of your fandom. We support all UConn teams. The question is how does that support manifest. Itself .
When UConn Men are playing in the NCAA ,if you don't have tickets. a group of fans can be found gathered around broadcasts in every corner of the state.
In the past I added the Sports package to Direct TV ,to be able to watch games on SNY.
If I can't get a basketball game I will be on the boneyard following the game post. Plus an ESPN window open following the play by play.
That level of support for basketball is not yet present for football. UConn basketball has a long rich history and many successes. At one time football in the state belonged to Yale. UConn football didn't capitlize on the void created by Yales departure from national scene. If they went Div 1 in the sixties and started playing BC,Syracue,or even Penn State then. A Northeast Football League might have become a reality.
. There are probably 5 BB fans for every rabid football fan. It's those 4 that will be energized by inclusion in the B1G. and especially with a modicum of success. Connecticut has the potential to be an east coast Nebraska. UConn owns the state of over 3.5 million people. I talking in terms of the love for their state team.
Soccer has always been a popular sport at UConn they have also won 2 or three NC depending on how you count.
You will find a lot less soccer supporters on the football board for some reason.
I was a football player who fell in love with soccer and coached for many years.
Where I came from soccer had a tough struggle with the football establishment.
Hockey has a small but growing fan base. Butch is the BY hockey guy.
Personally I have sworn off Hockey until my beloved Whalers are returned
Women's sport at UConn is hard to describe. Their success is at a level seldom seen in sports. We love them ,but a small percentage of their hard core fans can become a bit extreme.
