Troy superfan continues attending games to support the Trojans

Maddie Bagdonas

Troy Athletics photo

Austin Turner stands in the dugout before a Troy baseball game.

Across campus, Troy University plays host to sporting events year-round, bringing fans out to tailgate down University Avenue, grill out in Doubles Alley, and sit courtside in Trojan Arena.

The university has loyal sports fans who attend every game they can, but there is one fan who might hold the title of Troy Superfan. His name? Austin Turner.

“I like basketball, baseball, football, soccer, and softball,” said Turner, a long-time Troy sports fan. “T-Roy and the cheerleaders will always hang out with me and cheer with me.”

He has attended many sporting events for the university, showing up early for the national anthem and staying until the players leave.

While Turner hardly ever misses a game now, his love for Troy sporting events all started with a season tickets to football.

“We got some season tickets for football, and he just fell in love with it, and it’s just been a thing growing every year,” said Norma Davis, Turner’s mother. “We have enjoyed watching him go and see everybody and speak to the coaches and players and T-Roy!”

There is no doubt that Turner has made connections with fans from all over the Troy community, ranging from players, staff, and especially the fans. Some of the athletes’ favorite moments from Turner attending their games are his spirit and Trojan pride.

“His consistent energy and love for Troy,” said Grayson Stewart, a senior right-handed pitcher from Dothan, Alabama. “You can always see him in a jersey, he is always going to be in the stands, firing up the crowd and waving his hands up saying, ‘Let’s Go!’”

The love the Troy community has shown Turner is one of the many reasons people love attending college sports, it brings out the best in people. No matter the score or the sport, Austin Turner will be there to cheer on the Trojans.

“This community is very small, and everyone knows everyone, so you’ll always see Austin go up to the new faces and talk to them,” said Kinley Copen, a Troy University cheerleader from Thorsby, Alabama. “I do think it speaks highly of the Troy community that these people are willing to take the time out of their day to converse with a stranger who is such a genuine person.”

The connections Turner has made with coaches, players, fans, and T-Roy are ones that will last a lifetime.

Want to meet the Troy Superfan? You can likely catch Turner at Riddle-Pace Field Tuesday as baseball takes on the Crimson Tide, or playing in Troy Miracle League games on Monday nights at Riddle-Pace Field.