The Brown & White

Many Lehigh sports teams have one, or two, or 20 dedicated fans.

Besides the parents and close friends, these fans can be seen adorned in brown and white, sitting on the sidelines of a court or field on Goodman Campus.

John Weber, a local resident of Bethlehem, can easily be called the softball team's most dedicated fan. Throughout the entire season, he has made it to every one of the Hawks' games, whether it was at home, at another Patriot League field, or even hundreds of miles away.

Sophomore pitcher Tiffany Curtis said Weber is willing to travel with the team no matter where the games may be.

"The way things have been going lately, it's especially nice to know we have dedicated fans supporting us no matter what," Curtis said. "We have been traveling a lot this year- to Florida, North Carolina, New York, for example - and to hear that he hasn't missed a game, makes me, as well as my teammates, very grateful and thankful for his attendance and support. Knowing he is there for us means more [to the team] than he probably thinks."

Many Bethlehem residents follow Lehigh sports. Weber's interest in Lehigh came when local star Mary Wieder, '06, was recruited to Lehigh, junior pitcher Lisa Sweeney said.

"Mary Wieder was a local standout in softball at Emmaus High School," junior pitcher Lisa Sweeney said. "I believe John kept up with local athletes like Mary and others, and when he started watching games at Lehigh we all got to know him pretty well and now we wouldn't know what to do without him."

Weber said he has become friends with many players and their relatives, and even members of the Lehigh community in general, over the years.

"It's not just the kids," Weber said. "The parents and the entire community surrounding the team are wonderful."

A self-proclaimed "softball junkie," Weber played baseball and basketball at Parkland High School in Allentown. After graduation, he went on into the Air Force, where he played basketball. Nevertheless, to this day, softball is his favorite sport.

"It's a fast game," Weber said. "I just admire the athleticism of these kids. I remember in high school, we had girl's basketball but sports for women were very limited."

Curtis said Weber is not the most vocal supporter, but when he does speak up the team usually values it greatly.

"Every time I see him he always has something nice to say," Curtis said. "He is very friendly towards all of us. He's one of those guys that isn't a loud screamer, but when he does say something, you really take it to heart."

Sweeney said Weber always has a positive attitude, regardless of how a game is going, although in close games he is susceptible to nerves just like any other player or fan.

"He's a caring, encouraging, supportive individual who truly wants the best for all of us," Sweeney said. "He has a positive approach to the game and an optimistic attitude even when we're not playing well. Sometimes I think he might be more nervous than we are in tight games; that goes to show how much he cares."

Weber supports the softball team the most, but he is also involved in other aspects of the athletic community. He is a fan of the men's and women's basketball teams, and is a volunteer at Taylor Gym.

In predicting how the rest of the softball season will pan out, Weber's take was unsurprisingly optimistic.

"We just need to start holding our leads," Weber said after Saturday's loss to Bucknell University. "We will be fine in the Patriot League; it's just a more competitive atmosphere this year."

Weber believes the team will be able to achieve their goal of hosting the Patriot League tournament this year, and of course, he will be with them the entire way.