Number one fan by Josh Meltzer

For most high school graduates, the letter jacket, hats, and t-shirts adorned with the mascot of their schools sit in a closet. The one-time student who used to squeeze in between friends on the front row bleachers on cold December nights to cheer for the football team might only check the score in the morning paper now.

There are graduates who still do go to some games, maybe pulling out a sweatshirt that fits a little tighter than it used to. They sit with parents of current students, reminisce about the way the old gym used to look and smell.

Then there is Jeremy Dixon, 25, class of 2001. William Fleming High School’s self-described number one fan.

Tonight he’s early for the basketball game. No, not early for the varsity game, not early for the junior varsity game. He’s early for the Freshman game. It’s the biggest one of the year against city rival Patrick Henry High School and he wants the best seat.

Seated next to 8-year-old Elijah Nichols (pictured at right) he’s in the front row, at half court, and with a perfect view. He wouldn’t have it any other way, be it for football, basketball, soccer, softball, baseball, track or any sport. That’s why he’s the number one fan.

“I think there are some graduates who attend specific sports, but not particularly every single sport. None of them in my opinion attend as many activities as Jeremy does,” says Roanoke city athletic director George Miller.

Dixon spends a few seconds adjusting his blue and yellow tattered Fleming wig, and then his focus is to the court. “Take your time, follow your shots,” he says as the young undefeated team easily beats Patrick Henry.

Dixon respects his self-made title. Sportsmanship, he says, is just as important as rooting for your team. He’s such a fan of athletics, that if Fleming isn’t playing, he’ll even walk to a Patrick Henry game, just to see some good action.

It’s been a good night for Dixon and the Colonels. All three teams have beaten Patrick Henry, but Dixon gives a shout out to the dejected P.H. bench too, “Good job ya’ll,” he says over their shoulders, “Nice game.” One player give a nod of thanks as Dixon removes his colorful wig.

Dixon stops to chat with Bernard Arrington and G.E. Williams, who say they’ve known him since he was a student in the late '90s. Dixon chides them about the Washington Redskins, and they leave each other with gentlemen’s bets on an upcoming NFL game.

“He’s a loveable guy. Everybody like him, he’s got a certain personality that everyone likes, and he definitely loves Fleming,” Arrington says.

“Once a Colonel, always a Colonel,” Dixon answers very matter of factly.

Add a comment

(If you haven't left a comment here before, you may need to be approved by the site owner before your comment will appear. Until then, it won't appear on the entry. Thanks for waiting.)