Brock University fans consider themselves the best in Canada.

School spirit and Badger pride continues to grow with every game.

Once empty seats are now full. Where once there were 300, now there are 1,000.

A lineup out the door for the recent President’s game, well into the fourth quarter of the men’s basketball game, is an example of the fandom that’s spreading throughout the Brock community, said Bawe Nsame, co-ordinator of the #WeAreReady campaign.

He hoped 700 fans would show up. There were more than 1,100, he said.

“From September to now, we’ve seen a huge increase in people attending games and showing interest,” he said. “The pride is there to back up our school.”

#WeAreReady organizers Mohamed Hassan and Bawe Nsame, Brock University students, show off the new fan website at www.weareready.co

Bleachers awash in red, the clap of thunder sticks and the deafening roar of excited Badger fans are the new normal at varsity sporting events.

And, the fans are even taking to the road to support their teams.

A hundred fans made their way to a recent game against Laurier – the Badger rallying cry taking over the other school’s gym.

“It’s really cool how it’s spreading,” said Mohamed Hassan, who has set up a new website aimed at the fans, showcasing videos, updates and stories.

“They can go to stay updated and they may see their faces on the site,” Hassan said.

Creating a fan culture at Brock is about motivating and inspiring students.

“It ups the morale. Students are smiling more, they are proud to be from Brock,” Hassan said.

He said having a strong fan base also makes Brock more attractive to new students.

He said potential recruits for the men’s basketball team attended a game and witnessed the power and pride of Badger fans.

“It showcases us in such a positive light,” he said.

Nsame said when you are choosing a university, you look at academic standings, but you also consider the school community.

“You always look at the activities happening at that school,” he said. “You want to be part of something.”

Craig Hyatt, an Associate Professor in Brock’s Sport Management program who studies fan culture, said rallying people around their teams goes a long way in creating community.

It reinforces the fact that students like it here at Brock and there’s excitement here.

“You have to build up the atmosphere, the culture and the pride,” he said.

Hyatt is impressed by the #WeAreReady movement and how it continues to grow.

“It reinforces the fact that students like it here at Brock and there’s excitement here,” he said.

“It’s important because traditionally this is not a school people would go to and expect to get caught up in athletics.”

Hyatt said it’s not a stretch to believe Brock’s fans could be the best in Canada.

“It wouldn’t take much for us to zip past rivals,” he said, noting there aren’t nearly as many fan-driven schools in Canada, as in the U.S.

He said getting first and second year students on the bandwagon will help them take over the cause.

“This could go on forever,” he said.

Nsame and Hassan hope it does and said they have a committed crew of volunteers who work hard to come up with innovative ideas to make the fan experience one to remember.

“Everyone who we’ve been able to get into the gym, they buy in,” Hassan said. “They are the best fans in Canada.”

Watch the video shot during the recent trip to Laurier: