Sitting on the Lakeland side of the football stands, you hear the cheerleaders do their chants; however, it is the enthusiastic man pacing up and down the front aisle that grabs your attention. He is cheering and encouraging other Lakeland fans to stand up and support the players.

Torrance Abrams, father of sophomore graphic arts major Marvin Warfield, sticks out from the others in the audience as he cheers on the Muskie football team and his son.

“Even though I come to the games to see my son, I also feel that I have a responsibility for the team,” said Abrams.

Warfield has been playing football for eight years and serves as a running back for the Muskies. He said that having his dad come to the games does not embarrass him at all.

“It feels good to have him [Abrams] come and support me,” said Warfield.

Warfield explains that his father has been supportive of him his entire football career.

According to Abrams, he learned that he should go to his son’s games by following the example of his own father.

“One of the reasons that I attend my son’s games is because my father attended my [basketball games],” said Abrams.

Abrams seems to enjoy watching the game, and he has a passion for engaging fans.

When asked about the coach, Abrams said, “I like the coach [Kevin Doherty]. He is from Chicago, and he has old-school values.”

Abrams, a Chicago native, connects well with the coach. Of course, the long commute to see every Lakeland home game takes a lot of gas. Although the amount of money that is spent on gas is cutting into other funds, Abrams says, “It’s worth it.”

According to Warfield, he sees a difference this year in that there is a lot more comradery and off-season preparation than last year.

Beyond the positive characters of the players and the intense practices, Abrams says sports are not necessarily what they used to be.

“I believe today’s athletes are softer emotionally and mentally. The coaches are there to prepare young men to be men,” said Abrams.

He explains that he likes the coach’s style and will not question it. It seems to Abrams that the coaches are doing what they are supposed to do, and he is satisfied fulfilling his role as one of the Muskies’ biggest cheerleaders.