Sports fans have been an important part of the explosive success both collegiate and professional athletics has enjoyed. In 2013 a recognition award show was created to honor fans and their contribution to the sports industry it's called the What A Fan Awards. Its been held in Orlando Florida but will be relocated to Los Angeles California in 2016. Over the coming weeks we're going to introduce you to some of the countries most devoted fans of all genres of sports in their own words.
I have been a fan of sports since before I was in grade school. My fandom began with watching O's games with my mom and dad when I was a little guy and I started playing sports shortly after. We would watch wrestling just as much; there was never missed a Pay Per View event in that house. From the time that I can remember up until now sports has been one of the biggest influences in my life. Since I was young until this very day, there's never a TV in the house that doesn't have some type of sports or sports news broadcasted on it. Some of the best memories in my life involve sports in some way, shape, or form. I have been a MASSIVE Baltimore Ravens fan since the late Art Modell brought football back to Charm City in 1996. Who knew on that very day Havok would be born - and all the chaos and destruction to go along with it.
What triggered your passion for sports?
I believe what really triggered my passion for sports was the simple fact of growing up in a house with a sports-loving family. My mom and dad, both born and raised in Maryland, grew up ENORMOUS Baltimore Orioles and Baltimore Colts Fans. They would visit Memorial Stadium regularly at a younger age up until they had me; it became natural loving sports as a child. I can remember as a child how awesome it was turning on the TV, anxiously awaiting for an O's game to come on just to catch a glimpse of Cal Ripken Jr. playing. From the time I was little up until high school I was constantly involved in sports - baseball and football mostly. Looking back now and reflecting on it, some of my best years were spent having my father there and being one of my baseball coaches. I wasn't born a diehard sports fan - I was molded into one at a very young age. Sports has been one of the few things in my life that has kept me center and happy besides my wife, kids, and family all these years. If it wa sn't for them I wouldn't be who I am today. They push me to be better, and because of that my passion for and love of sports burns deep within Havok's soul.
Favorite sports moment?
I have numerous sports favorites, but the one that sticks out the most was the Baltimore Ravens vs The New York Jets on Dec 24th back in 2000. That was the year we won our first Super Bowl and I can remember it like it was just yesterday. It was the first time I ever attended a NFL game and it was with my pops. I can practically remember everything that happened that day, including the smells and sounds that I know I had never experienced. From the moment leaving my grandparents' house with my father and getting on the bus, I can vividly recall all the people on the bus completely decked out in purple of some kind heading into the city for a beautiful, yet blustery, day in Baltimore. Just sitting there observing everyone was something I'll never forget. Getting off the bus blocks away from the stadium I could see rows and rows of cars, people, booths, etc. It was a site to see. I remember approaching the stadium for the first time; I could hear the Ravens marching band and smell the aroma of fans cooking brats, crabs, steaks, and burgers, and it was breathtaking. I remember just seeing people's faces and how happy they were outside the stadium waiting to get in. I'll never forget heading into the stadium, pulling out my ticket, and handing to the gentleman working so he could scan it in order for me to enter M&T. There were so many emotions going through my head at that time: where do we go; when does the game start; I'm cold! Then, before I know it, I'm walking to our section. I take a moment to look out on the field and realized I had never witnessed anything as beautiful as that stadium or how green that grass really was - TV doesn't do it justice. It was bitterly cold that day, sitting in our seats looking out on the field, feeling the cold wind come off of the Chesapeake Bay. My father and I couldn't drink enough hot chocolate that day. We made our way to the excruciatingly long lines for the bathroom at halftime, and as the game kicked off and we were hurrying back to our seats Chris McCalister intercepted the ball and took it to the house. The stadium was electrified from that moment on. The Ravens ended up victorious against New York that day - the stadium went wild. Fans across the stadium rose excitedly from their seats as it was displayed on the Jumbo Tron that we would be playing Denver the following weeks in the first ever Ravens playoff game. That is where HAVOK was born. My first ever bird foam hat was purchased there by my pops and I wore it proudly every Sunday for years and years until it was on the verge of becoming unwearable. I retired that hat just a few years ago and have it kept in a special place. I'll never forget that day with my father until the day I die. The atmosphere was amazing. The people, the sounds, the smells, and even the weather were something that was both indescribable and unforgettable.
Who would you like to meet and why?
Without a doubt Ray Lewis. I've always wanted to meet him since I could remember. I can count on one hand how many times I've come close to actually meeting him, but each time sadly it fell through because something happened that was beyond my control to make it impossible. My adoration for Ray goes above and beyond football; I went through very tough times in my life before meeting my wife. I had gained a lot of weight and wasn't very happy with my life at that point in time, and I thought if I kept on the path I was going I wouldn't live much longer. Each time he said something about life in general, it was as if he was talking directly to me. His words moved me; they helped shape me into the man I am today. Ray Lewis helped me in so many ways that he will never know, and I'm forever grateful to him. I loved watching that man every Sunday for 17 years. I never once missed a game, and I still haven't in 20 years. I follow him on social media and each time he's on ESPN I tune in to w atch. I consider him to be an amazing football player and father to his kids. All I ever wanted to do was be a good father to my kids, and because of that man, I am here today to do that.
What charitable programs are you involved with?
Children's Miracle Network, Toys For Tots, Habitat for Humanity, The Salvation Army, and Goodwill Industries. My next charity I plan to get involved with is the Wounded Warrior Project.
How does your family feel about your passion?
Let me give you an idea of how they feel and how supportive they are of me when it comes to sports. I'm tearing up writing this to be honest. My wife is getting ready to head overseas for six months with the Air Force, and when she found out I was being nominated she sent me a text that is as follows: "Very cool you got nominated; in a way it sucks that I can't be there to share it with you. Doing all of that had been our thing for years now, and I've seen you evolve into Havok. I didn't get it at first, but I know now how much it means to you and how highly regarded you are in the football community. I'm glad you're being recognized for that ... I'm glad you have something to look forward to during a tough time." The last eight years we've been together she has stuck by me and supported me with everything, at times (I'm sure) wanting to pull her hair out, but she hasn't. Since we've been together she has gone to EVERY game I've attended and supported all of it; I've even rubbed off on her as well. She loves to dress up, scream, and cheer for the Ravens. How cool is that - Mrs. Havok! My son is a mini-me. He mocks everything I do. He loves baseball and football; he even wants to play football one day. Whenever I go somewhere now with him he has a jersey on and a hat just like daddy, and he loves throwing the football and baseball with me. During the summer (when it's not minus ten degrees out here in the Midwest) we throw the football every day. He's witnessed since he's been born how much I love sports, and especially my teams, and it's definitely rubbed off on him. Love of sports is infectious. My mom and dad couldn't be prouder and couldn't have been any more supportive of me and my love for the game. Just recently when they heard the news about my nomination they were so proud that they had shared my status about being selected on their Facebook page. It's much easier to be Havok having both family and friends standing behind me knowing that what I'm doing is something amazing, and not everyone can do. All of my family admires what I do. Family is everything: if you don't have that supporting cast can be a long, lonely journey. I'm glad they've come along for the ride.
How was your character created?
It all starts with the name and playing the role that goes with it. The costume goes hand-in-hand with my name; this is the acronym my name derived from: H. Hardy: Nothing can keep me down. A. Activities: I love being involved in charities or anything to make a difference. V. Valiant: I'm a very brave and fearless person. O. Observant: I'm very attentive and aware of situations. K. Keepsake: I cherish my memories and hold things near and dear to my heart. You'll be hard pressed to find anyone crazier than me at M&T Bank stadium or at an away game. I love supporting my team and I have a great time doing so, in the most respectful manner possible. From the time I wake up, it's a complete transformation from "John" to "Havok." First, I put in my red contacts in order to mimic the Raven's intimidating red eyes. I then put on my clothes, beads, boots, etc. Last comes the face paint and the Hat. I paint the area around my eyes white in order to contrast my red contacts in order for them to stand out. Each side of my face is painted purple and gold in order show my Ravens pride. Only the best theatrical makeup is used to stand up to any elements of the game. My hat is a distinctive piece made especially for me by Green Bay Packer Super Fan Jeff Kahlow (aka Frozen Tundra Man). He intricately made the hat incorporating my team spirit. On top of the hat sits a buff, intimidating-looking Raven with arm bands that display my name, Havok. The Raven has a football in his hand, ready to crush any competition. I wanted to get bizarre with my costume in order to express my true Havok style and remain unique. When most think Havok, they think destruction and chaos. My necklace with a trio of skulls strung with plastic chain is similar to an adornment the Predator would wear. The skulls painted around my neck are those of the Steelers, Bengals, and Browns with spikes going through the eyes. I've "claimed" them after hard fought battles with those teams. There is nothing scarier than staring death in the face, and when I come closer to you, you can't help but get intimated by my custom Havok hat with Raven's eyes glaring down upon you. My customized "Havok 410" jersey is simply worn to let all my victims know who brought chaos to their city and stadium. No one will ever see me coming at them as I'm disguised by my purple camo pants and customized Havok military tactical-style boots. There is nothing more dangerous than not being able to see what's coming for my victims. As I have them dazed and confused, looking at my purple and white ring style socks, that's when I swoop down with my Nest and finish them off. As I'm standing there in my full Ravens attire, everyone will most certainly know who has laid claim to their stadium.
Share a humorous story about yourself or team.
This story involves my Nest and I. It all started on a weekend before a game; we were heading to Baltimore from Wisconsin on a surprise birthday trip to Maryland for a game, and I had no knowledge about it. It was all set in motion - my wife's parents were watching the kids while we got some alone time and escaped. It's the morning of the game, and we're all dressed up heading down to the stadium from our hotel room to go meet up with our Nest and have some tailgating fun. We finally get down to our lot and see everyone; before you know it, everyone is exchanging hugs, laughing, telling stories, and eating some grub. All of a sudden Matt pulls out this big bag of cherries (coined "Cherry Bombs") and tells everyone to grab one and "make sure no one pulls out a lighter near one." The first thought in my head is what in the world would a lighter, or any type of fire, have to do with these cherries? Why would it matter if you were to light something near one? Everyone proceeds to reach in the bag, pulls out one, and we all hold it up for a toast and say our Ravens cheer. We do our ceremonious Ravens dance and then we all bite into these delicious looking cherries. I knew instantly why Matt said to not light anything near the cherries! Biting into those cherries, not knowing what's inside, you find out quickly how strong 180 proof liquor is inside of a cherry that's been sitting in a jar for 6 months. If you've ever seen a box of Lemon Heads, I can bet my bottom dollar that's what my face looked like at that moment in time! No matter how accustomed I became to the cherries, my face always looked like that Lemon Head symbol on the box. What made it even better is an hour or so before the game, and well into the game, Matt would hand out the cherries to friends, family, and even some of the Titans fans we met throughout the game. The looks on their faces as they put the cherries in their mouths and bit into them was priceless! I hadn't laughed that hard in a long time and there was no better feeling then sharing that experience with my wife, friends, and fellow fans that day. As I recall, one of my favorite encounters was a friend of our Nest who works inside the stadium and sells beer. He waits for us to come in every home game with the Ravens marching band just to say hello and does our special pre-game dance with us. Since M & T bank stadium opened, he has done that dance ritual with us. The camaraderie is pretty awesome. However, seeing his face and hearing his reaction to the little cherry surprise had me on the verge of wetting myself. He turns to us, and with the straightest face possible, says, "Whew - if that don't get your ticker going, I don't know what will!" Nothing cures the soul quite like a good laugh, and let's just say that day I was a new man!
What would winning the What A Fan Award mean to you?
Never in a million years when I became a fan back in 1996 did I ever think I would be in this situation. Just being mentioned along with hundreds and thousands of other dedicated sports fans is an honor in itself. I'm extremely humbled by this; I would love to win this award and share it with my wife, who's been there since we've met and followed me on this crazy journey. She's been my support system and I am forever grateful to have her at my side, especially on game days. I started dressing up years and years ago. I never did it for attention or to be on TV; I did it because of my passion and love for my team. After I started dressing up and witnessing the reaction from people, especially the kids, I knew Havok was ready to be unleashed and knew I could never go back to anything else. There is nothing more rewarding than dressing up and having a small child ask to take a picture with you or just seeing how being dressed up puts a smile on his or her face. Winning this award would m ost definitely be the cherry on top for me. The way I see it - being mentioned and nominated along with other great fans across the globe is a huge win for me already. Win or lose come September, in my heart I'm already a winner. Being an Ultimate Sports fan isn't all about the glitz and glamour to me, it's the reward I get when I know I've made a difference in someone else's life. It's satisfying to show people that you can be yourself, and if you're passionate about something in life don't be afraid to show the world that passion. There have been many times I've walked in a Wal-Mart with my wife or family in my full ravens gear in North Carolina, and never once been ashamed of who I am or what I stand for. Doing what I do is contagious, and if I can transform one person into being whom they want to be then I consider that a job well done. That's the true definition of being an ultimate sports fan. Be proud of whom you are, and each time you go somewhere, know that someone is looki ng up to you or smiling at you. I'm so blessed and extremely proud to be nominated with this year's class of nominees, and I look forward to meeting everyone. Thank you for considering me to be the next 2015 WHAT A FAN winner.
Learn more about the What A Fan Awards by visiting www.whatafanshow.com and if you or someone you know are devoted, passionate and fanatic sports fans let them know they too could be Nominated for this honor! #Fans247 #whatafan #whatafanawards #SportsFansConference
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