And they cheered--oh did they cheer. Waves, coordinated taunts, face paint and banners were a part of every game. Hell, for the big games, they even had to call out the riot police. But it was fun. And effective.

Riding the intensity of the crowd, the Wildcats could be counted on to make an unbelievably strong showing at home. Defensive pressure and overall team confidence soared and margins that should have been thirty points were cut to four or even wins.

In addition, the fans had a hell of a time--they had the opportunity to both scream off study tensions and sweat off beer calories.

It was a no-lose situation, really, and I think that sort of situation would benefit Harvard a great deal.

The more I watch the Crimson this year, the more I become convinced that the team needs fan support to build confidence and enthusiasm--the self-generated kind can only go so far.

The more I see of Harvard students, the more I become convinced that they need another outlet for tensions, besides hockey games.

And the more I see of myself, the more I realize that sitting alone and watching a bird run around the court is no way to spend an afternoon.

Sean D. Wissman is a Crimson staff writer who still believes in Santa Claus, romance and the Harvard men's basketball program.