Occasionally an ultimate fan comes along that really stands out. Perhaps it’s the way a man cheers loudly at every game. Possibly a woman donated a substantial amount of money to the booster club. Maybe a group of students decide to go shirtless at the coldest football game of the year. Chuck and Cinny Reff are a little more subtle in their fan-ship, yet everyone at Lawrence University knows who they are. The Reffs began attending Lawrence athletic events in the fall of 1985, after they moved to Appleton. At first they attended football and basketball games. Today they attend between 45 and 50 Lawrence athletic events a year. They are seen at volleyball, softball, soccer, tennis, baseball, and hockey games, along with cross country, track and swimming meets. One of the Reffs’ favorite athletic events to attend is the women’s crossover softball tournament in Janesville. “This weekend event gives us the opportunity to meet many of the player’s parents, to get to know the players better and to see all of the teams in the North and South conference play,” stated Cinny. The Reffs attend several away games a year, by either driving their own car that sports the license plate “LU Fans”, or by taking a fan bus. They even took an overnight bus to watch the men’s basketball team play in the NCAA playoffs. “One game we will never forget was against Buena Vista in 2004 on our way to the Sweet 16. We got on a fan bus for Storm Lake Iowa at 7am on Saturday and returned to Appleton at 7am on Sunday. It was a long day but worth every minute of the trip to bring home the victory,” stated Chuck.
Attending every sporting event isn’t the only thing that makes the Reffs ultimate fans. Back in the late 80’s when fan attendance at games was much smaller, the Reffs formed friendships in the stands with the wives of the head football and basketball coaches. Over the years, these friendships became more personal and eventually the Reffs were inviting the coaches and their families over for dinners at their home. The coaches introduced the Reffs to players on the team and it wasn’t long before the players were attending dinners at the Reffs’ as well. “People often question why players and coaches are going over to the ‘Reffs’ home for dinner. Ironically, it is our last name and not a conflict of interest,” stated Chuck. Despite the Reffs’ last name, the players have formed a close relationship with Chuck and Cinny that has lasted for years beyond graduation. “It’s amazing to us how many players remember us with hugs and handshakes and still thank us for our support and friendship over the years,” stated Cinny. About seven or eight years ago, Chuck and Cinny began hosting senior dinners for the men’s and women’s basketball teams. They even accommodate players who can’t make it on the specified night on another night. The Reffs also bring caramel chocolate and lemon bars for the teams before their games. They mail articles about the students and athletes from the local newspaper to those parents who live outside of Appleton. In return, the players, coaches and staff have given the Reffs their friendship. “We couldn’t ask for a better group of friends,” stated Cinny
On January 18th, the Reffs were publicly recognized for their outstanding contributions to Lawrence athletics before the men’s basketball game against Grinnell College. Director of Athletics, Robert Beeman, awarded the Reffs the Bob Wurdinger Athletic Service Award. The award was established in the 2006-07 academic year and is named after its first recipient, Bob Wurdinger, a former assistant football coach, who is still advocates LU athletics. It is given to those who are dedicated and provide services to the LU Department of Athletics. “We were extremely flattered, surprised and delighted to win the award. It was really exciting as it was the first award we had received as a couple which made it even more special,” stated Cinny. Even though the Reffs may not be the strangest or the most rambunctious fans, everyone recognizes them at games. “Now people and players that didn’t know us before put a name with our faces. Since that night, many fans have come up and congratulated us as well as many players,” stated Chuck. Only at Lawrence University do you find the players congratulating the ‘Reffs’ on a job well done. For all they do for Lawrence University, Inside Wisconsin Sports recognizes Chuck and Cinny Reff as Ultimate Fans.
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