Gonzaga High School Fans Cheer for Their Team

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To get the word out, Gonzaga's student-led booster club pleads its case on the morning announcements and creates Facebook groups, inviting as many students as it can.

For a game against a big basketball rival like DeMatha, the work was easy. "Kids just want to show up," said club member John Balkam, 17. "Whenever Gonzaga and DeMatha go up against each other, we definitely come out in force and cheer as hard as we can to get our team the 'W.' "

At American University's Bender Arena on Thursday night for the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference final, the students filled the bleachers behind the baseline. They made up at least a quarter of the crowd . "That's a great deal of the student body -- a tremendous turnout!" said Balkam.

The roar was deafening each time the Eagles scored or grabbed a rebound. The students chanted, taunted and cheered. An announcement came over the public-address system aimed at the purple-clad fans behind the basket: Cease jumping on the bleachers or risk expulsion. The students seemed to be cheering so loudly they couldn't hear it.

In the end, DeMatha prevailed over Gonzaga on a basket in the game's final seconds. For the Gonzaga players, the loss hit hard. But it didn't quell the support. As the team left the floor, the fans remained on their feet cheering. "That's one of the things that makes Gonzaga a special place," said Balkam. "It's about supporting your friends. Being there for others." Win or lose.