re: .

I support athletics as a means of support of the greater University as a whole. While it's only one facet of my support, it's probably the most emphasized due to its ability to unite former classmates and friends...and due to the media and national attention.

What really bothers me is when 'fans' donate to athletic foundations but don't give back to the University (donations, volunteering). I realize some may justify this by saying better athletics means more support for academics, but it all boils down to prioritization and what college athletics is all about. It's about the student athlete. Not athlete who also happens to be a student. It's the same reason why I am against 'professionalizing' college athletics. There's already an arena for that side of competition.

ETA: So to answer your question, no, you don't have to be an alumnus to be a legit fan. Some of the best collegiate athletic fans I know are not alumns. But there is nothing worse than a bandwagon, sidewalk fan.