A recent article written by Lauren WIllIams

A number of weeks back, outgoing Daily 49er opinion editor Lauren Williams wrote an article about me as I was watching Long Beach State play a nonconference soccer match at George Allen Field.

A game spent with 'Superfan'

By: Lauren Williams

Posted: 9/5/07

For many a Long Beach State fan, Jo-Ryan Salazar has become quite a sight to see at games and has gained the notorious title of "Superfan." To many he's the outspoken man in the stands waving his flag, supporting LBSU at nearly every game. Although Salazar is known to most LBSU students as "Superfan," Salazar is many other things.

In addition to being one of the most enthusiastic fans in the bleachers, Salazar is a Dodgers, Angels and Galaxy fan and is fond of UCLA and USC football as well. He is a practicing Catholic, and the values of a Catholic upbringing are a part of Salazar's everyday life and influence his perspective on the outcome of games.

"I know that if it wasn't in the plan for us to win, somebody up there didn't want it that way," Salazar said.

"It can't be helped."

Salazar is also a graduating senior, who will leave LBSU this winter with a degree in systems information, and hopes to get a job in Las Vegas and live in his family home there. Salazar said he eventually wants to get a master's degree in sports management.

This weekend, I sat down with Salazar at the women's soccer game against Utah and learned about Salazar's rituals when preparing for a game, his habits at home and even his views on Iraq.

"The fact that [the game is at] at 9 a.m. is foreign," Salazar said, noting the match's early time. "It's usually around 11 a.m., but it's probably because of the Blues Festival."

Salazar arrived fully prepared, having completed his pre-game ritual.

"I had my Wheaties and Rockstar today," Salazar said. "I'm ready."

Each morning Salazar wakes up to the sound of Peedy, the parrot on his computer, saying "Rico Suave, is that you? Holy Prospector Pete, it's you! The Superfan is back! That is, Mr. Superfan again! What's up, Jo-Ryan?"

After that, he boards the Long Beach Transit routes 91 or 171 bus headed to school, and says to the driver, "When you're ready, let's roll." On game days, as he leaves, he makes sure to add, "Go Beach!"

"I always try to say thank you, a little bit of courtesy," Salazar said.

Throughout the game, Salazar cheered on the women's soccer team, often shouting "Get ready, Liz!" to Liz Ramos, the team's junior goalkeeper, whom Salazar believes to be the team's star player.

"The way these ladies are playing, they could beat (the) Galaxy," Salazar said at one point.

During the second half, when midfielder Kim Silos was injured, Salazar shouted, "Believe in yourself. This too shall pass," as she was assisted off the field. Superfan sees the game as "A metaphor - sometimes [the ball] goes in, sometimes [it] doesn't."

Salazar believes the lessons learned through sports are far-reaching and applying to all life aspects - even war.

"I don't believe in war, violence," Salazar said. "This is better than Iraq. There are no roadside bombings in soccer."

At the end of the game I finally got to see the side of Superfan that has gained him infamy - shirt off, Hanes showing, cheering at the top of his lungs.

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