The University of Idaho Argonaut

A painted Vandal fan watches the football game against University of Nevada on Saturday. Jake Barber/Argonaut

Screaming University of Idaho fans, painted faces and Vandal pride is what being a Vandalizer is all about.
The group is making a comeback and plans to support athletic teams win or lose.

“As fans we have a direct impact on the game,” said Nick Popplewell, interim marketing director. “(It’s) important to have a student section.”
When there a lot of students cheering on a team, it builds confidence so it can perform better, Popplewell said. The teams need student support.
He said the game atmosphere changes when there is a large student section, and he said he believes fans have a big impact on the outcome of a game.
“You can hear the air seep out of the Kibbie Dome during third quarter when people leave,” Popplewell said.

Responding to this year’s sporting events, he said athletes can only do so much — students need to come together.
Becoming a Vandalizer allows students to create memorable experiences — being part of the student section at athletic events will help create memories students will always remember, Popplewell said.
“It’s just one more aspect of student life,” said Marie Fabricius, ASUI athletic director. “(It’s) being something bigger than your house or hall.”
Vandalizers have been around for a while, but ASUI and the Athletic Department want it to get bigger,
Popplewell said.

Athletics go through cycles of winning and rebuilding. He said right now, UI is rebuilding, and the Vandalizers are going to be a key part of
that process.
“We are heading in the right direction,” Popplewell said. “(Students) just have to be patient with us.”
Student sections at Washington State University, University of Washington and Gonzaga started off when the teams weren’t doing so well, Popplewell said.

Fabricius said she dislikes when students wear T-shirts or sweaters with different universities’ logo on them. There is a campus push to be more proud of UI.
“You’re here; you’re paying student fees — why not be proud?”

she said.

There is a $15 charge to become a Vandalizer. The fee includes a T-shirt, name in an ongoing raffle, e-mail updates, early admission to games, possible contestants for halftime activities, a chance to meet the team and more, Fabricius said.
“We have pride, it just needs to be awakened,” Poppplwell said.
Popplewell said the Vandalizers’ primary focus for now is to getting more people to attend football, volleyball and men’s and women’s basketball games they are also expanding to include other sports.
The Vandalizer opening event is at 7 p.m. Monday in the Student Union Ballroom. Anyone who is interested can come and sign up to be a Vandalizer. Idaho coach Robb Akey will speak at the event.
This week, Fabricius and Popplewell had meetings with the Interfraternity and the Panhellenic Councils along with Residence Housing Association to spark student’s interest in the group.
To become a Vandalizer, stop by ASUI and pick up an application or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it