As crowds pour into the University Commons this season by the hundreds, a group of loyal spectators should not be overlooked. They call themselves the Royal Rooters of Virginia Mennonite Retirement Communicy (VMRC) and can almost always be found front and center at men’s and women’s basketball games touting their tee-shirts which declared "We’re Behind EMU."

The fan club, which began last season, has about 20 members, all of whom live at the retirement community adjacent to the university. They have been a constant presence at home games and even followed the team down the road to their game against local rival Bridgewater.

"We like to see people do their best and work at it, and that brings us back to our earlier days," said member Sam Janzen.

In addition to enjoying the game itself (although one confessed she didn’t know much about it), many Rooters cite the comfortable seats, energetic atmosphere and halftime shows as factors that keep them coming to the Commons. Some even stepped onto the court one night to show off their line dancing skills during halftime.

"The new athletic director is making things even more interesting than they were," said member Ruby Lehman.

The fans may be retired, but they aren’t bothered by hecklers. "Some people make fun and say ‘Roto Rooters’…but we don’t care," testified Lehman as her husband Earl added, "EMU fans are great fans."

The basketball teams receive the greatest support from the Royal Rooters. At the beginning of the season the men’s team was even treated to a reception by the fan club. However, the club is hoping to get more involved with the university’s activities. Some Rooters, like Lehman, have already attended other sporting events throughout the year. "My favorite is soccer," she stated.

Patricia Yoder, the activities coordinator at VMRC who manages season tickets and rides for the Royal Rooters, recognizes the benefits of increased interaction between the two institutions. In addition to athletics, she would eventually like to connect with drama students at EMU.

"Not every retirement community has a university or college right next to it and not every college has a retirement center."

Dave Rife contributed to this article.