Most students complain about the Syracuse winter, but Sean Fernandez embraces it. A few times a year, he even sleeps outside in sub-zero temperatures.

The senior finance major, president of Otto’s Army, has camped outside the Carrier Dome before at least six Syracuse University men’s basketball games. His personal best: nine days during his freshman year when the team played Georgetown University and the University of Connecticut back-to-back.

He says the community among the fans who camp out make the long, cold nights worthwhile.

“You’re all doing it in support of our favorite team,” Fernandez said. “Once it comes time for game day, all of the cold is completely in the past.”

Fernandez first joined Otto’s Army his freshman year. He was the organization’s public relations officer his sophomore and junior years and was elected president for this year.

With a background in leadership and business — he’s also president of the business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi — and proven dedication to Otto’s Army, Fernandez fit the position.

The main goal of Otto’s Army is to keep SU spirit running high. One way it does this, Fernandez said, is getting fans to stay until the end of the game when the school’s alma mater is played. He said this is especially important during a loss because it lets the team know their fans still support them.

“It’s about more than just cheering loudly on game day. We try to go above and beyond to build spirit on campus,” Fernandez said. “This year especially, we’re trying our best to promote all sports, not just basketball and football.”

Fernandez said men’s and women’s soccer are two of SU’s most underrated teams and as president, he hopes to encourage more fans to attend their games.

When there’s a large showing from Otto’s Army members, Fernandez said, the team notices. It’s hard not to.

Fernandez said: “When you have thousands of students cheering as loudly as they can, it can hopefully give the Orange the extra edge they need to compete at the highest level.”

Published on September 8, 2014 at 12:01 am

Contact Alex: aerdekia@syr.edu