Kailey Hanks
Standing: Junior
Major: Applied Health, physical therapy emphasis
Photo credit: Kelyn Struiksma
Hanks, who will be rooting for the Seahawks, said rooting for her team has been a tradition from a young age.
“I’m hoping to go home to my family to watch the game because it’s such
a huge tradition for me, and exciting because the Seahawks have never won the
Super Bowl. Hopefully we will this year,” Hanks said.
Although Hanks says she likes the energy of the whole team, her favorite player is quarterback Russell Wilson.
“He is really good and cute,” Hanks said. “He has really good aspects to the game running, throwing and he is really smart.”
Jeff Kemp
Standing: Senior
Major: Applied Health
Photo credit: Kelyn Struiksma
Kemp, who will be supporting the Seahawks, respects the passion with which the team continually plays. He said the Seahawks have a “1-0 mentality.”
“It’s the ideal that every game they go into, their record is always one win and no losses, so every game there is no pressure because ‘we’re the best team and we’re going to win,'” Kemp said.
The Seahawks are more than just a team to watch for Kemp. Quarterback Russell Wilson serves not only as his favorite player, but also as a role model.
“He is more than just a football
player,” Kemp said. “He is a Christian and has an amazing story about how he came to the
faith when he was 14. He is someone I can look up to even though I have never
played football.”
Kemp hopes the Seahawks will be able to combine their offense with their strong defense.
“If both can click, we will
definitely win the Super Bowl,” said Kemp.
Sean Janas
Standing: Senior
Major: Business Economics
Photo credit: Kelyn Struiksma
Colorado native and lifelong Bronco fan Janas hopes that after years of just missing the mark, the Broncos can pull out a win and get a Super Bowl ring.
According to Janas, the Broncos deserve to win because of the unrecognized talent they have. Cornerback Champ Bailey has been in the NFL for 14 years and has set various records, but this year Janas hopes that he can finally win a Super Bowl ring.
Janas also supports quarterback Peyton Manning’s skill and leadership and believes if the Broncos win the Super Bowl, it would be a great “swan song” for Manning.
“As they say in
the movie, ‘We ride together, we die together, bad boys for life,’” said Janas. “I’ll always
be a Bronco fan no matter what happens. Go Broncos! We are going to win.”
Andrew Counts
Standing: Sophomore
Major: Social Work
Photo credit: Kelyn Struiksma
Counts, a Seattle native, will be rooting for the Seahawks. With only one other Super Bowl performance, he is excited that they have another opportunity to compete for the title.
“It’s really
exciting because this is the dream match-up,” said Counts. “You have the AFC champions verses
the NFC champions. The No. 1 defense from the Seattle Seahawks, going up
against the No. 1 offense, the Denver Broncos. That’s what you want to
see; the two No. 1 teams going head to head.”
Cornerback Richard Sherman is one of Counts’ favorite players to watch, as he is “so good at what he does and does it with a sense of style.”
This Super Bowl, Counts will most likely be watching the game with friends and eating pizza, but explains how his passion for the Seahawks can quickly reduce his appetite.
“Usually there’s not a
whole lot of eating because I’m real anxious and get really stressed out,” said Counts. “I
pace around and there’s a lot of breathing techniques that happen. I’ll be in and
out of the room, yelling at not always the appropriate times.”
Gavin Harrison
Standing: Freshman
Major: Communications, Psychology minor
Photo credit: Kelyn Struiksma
Harrison will side with the Denver Broncos this year due to hometown affiliations. He continually supports the Broncos because of their good sportsmanship and hard work.
According to Harrison, the Broncos are the better team and have Peyton Manning, who “is the best.”
“It’s always fun to watch the Super Bowl to see who wins and who the best team all around is,” Harrison said.
Lindsay Lee
Standing: Sophomore
Major: Chemistry
Photo credit: Kelyn Struiksma
Lee, a 49ers fan, will be rooting for the Broncos out of spite against the Seahawks. Just weeks ago, the Seahawks triumphed in a 23-17 victory against San Francisco.
“It’s a big rivalry between
the 49ers and the Seahawks, and I don’t want them [the Seahawks] to win,” said Lee.
Although the Broncos are not her team, Lee thinks they have a great chance of winning and she respects Peyton Manning.
“This might be one of his last years, so I feel like he should
have his time to shine,” Lee said. “He’s a good football player and he shows that on and
off the field.”
More than anything else, Lee is looking forward to Super Bowl Sunday and the “overall great atmosphere” it brings.