DaytonDailyNews.com

DAYTON — The 14-student executive board that runs the Red Scare — the University of Dayton's boisterous cheering section — was discussing how to act should the Flyers defeat Xavier tonight at UD Arena.

It was decided that the red-clad kids would not storm the court. Hey, if your team is on the verge of cracking the Top 25, you shouldn't go completely bananas, right?

"We should expect to win," Red Scare president Jerry Stoffl said during the group's gathering Monday, Feb. 9.

But what if Chris Johnson hits a half-court shot at the buzzer to give the Flyers their first victory over Xavier in three years?

"All bets are off," declared Matt Rhein.

Sure, college students can be unpredictable, but the Red Scare has proven to be very reliable. Founded in 1994 by a few dozen basketball-loving students, the group has grown to the point where its 1,249 tickets for the Xavier game were an easy sell. The group has about 2,200 total members.

"I like the atmosphere," said UD freshman Sarah Dippold, who hails from Springboro. "It's really fun to be part of."

The students, who earn spirit points by attending a wide array of UD athletic events — which puts them at the front of the line for tickets to the most popular games — feel like they make a difference.

"The opposing coaches always give you that little glare," said Craig Bruns, a junior from Tipp City. "Dayton, at home, finds that extra energy and I think that comes from the Red Scare."

The Scare certainly will try to rattle the Musketeers. That's always the goal.

"The fatal flaw of any opposing player is when they acknowledge us, because we know we're in their head," Stoffl said. "A guy from Delaware State flipped us off before halftime, and he didn't score the entire second half."

But the Red Scare does more than yell at the Phil Martellis of the college basketball world. Earlier this week, the organization delivered 3,009 pounds of food to the Dayton Area Food Bank. The students also donated more than $500 to the Secret Smiles organization.

Last fall, the Scare sponsored a corn hole tournament to raise funds for a fellow student battling cancer.

Those behind-the-scenes efforts make participating in the group a rewarding experience, but the Scare's most visible role plays out on game day. Its influence is not lost on UD's coaches and players.

"Our student section has been absolutely tremendous this year," UD coach Brian Gregory said. "They continue to distinguish themselves as one of the most creative, yet still classy, student groups in the country."

And that's why you don't hear a lot of X-rated rants coming from the group, although emotions will be running high tonight.

"I've been to the Cintas Center (Xavier's home venue)," Stoffl said, "and it's nothing compared to UD Arena."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2163 or bkollars@DaytonDailyNews.com.