The following interview was conducted by Lucas Brody in early December.
The 2008 season was a rough one for the LMU Varsity boys’ soccer team, who finished with a disappointing record of 2-8-2. This was a major step back from the usually successful program led by Coach Steve Gleit. Despite the team’s struggles, senior Emilio Ramos always showed his full-fledged support for the Gators, cheering through difficult circumstances and riling up the squad when necessary. Because of his admirable passion and school spirit, Emilio has been named Gator Nation’s fan of the month.
GN: Why did you continue to attend soccer games even though the Gators had been eliminated from the playoffs?
Emilio: I continued to go to the games because they are fun to watch. All of my friends are on the team so I had to come and show them my support.
GN: Do you think your presence at games had an effect on players’ performances?
Emilio: I think that the players may have gotten a certain sense of motivation when they hear my voice or other fans screaming and cheering for them on the sidelines.
GN: You recently made the Varsity basketball team, do you expect people to show you the same support that you have exerted towards the soccer team?
Emilio: Yes, I know I can always count on my boys to come to my games and show their support for the basketball team just as I did for the soccer team.
GN: Who is your favorite student-athlete to cheer for from school? Why?
Emilio: My favorite student-athlete would have to be Adam Leventhal. He shows the motivation, drive, and talent on the basketball court that I have been searching for my whole life. He is a leader both on and off the court.
GN: What do you like more? Playing sports or being a fan?
Emilio: I like playing sports more than being a fan because when I am on a team I can be a player and a fan at the same time.
Note: When this interview was conducted, Emilio had just made the basketball team as a surprise addition to the roster. As of February he has proven his doubters wrong, and has inspired the team with his energetic play and passion both off of the bench and even as a starter. In LMU's pivotal victory against the Silverhawks from Manhattan Village Academy in January, Ramos contributed 8 points and 8 rebounds including two clutch free throws to clinch a Gator victory.
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