Tent One Members: Alex Ho, John Michael Burton, Samantha Cunningham, Agee Springer, Barry Wright III, Britt Walden, Colin Chao Kneeling: Leah Fisher, Kim Marston, Rosie Patino, Victoria Castells, and Lauren DeRuyter
1. TENTING IS AN INVESTMENT…
We set up Tent One on December 26th, and the amount of time and the number of people required to be present in K-Ville has changed several times since. By the time the UNC game tips off, each of our tent members will have spent approximately 196 hours in K-Ville, including 17 nights!
2. …THAT PAYS OFF IN CAMERON
The team and coaches make us feel a part of the team, particularly when Coach K has his “team meetings” with the Crazies. We enjoy having an effect on the game, particularly when everybody gets excited and the noise level gets extreme — there’s a palpable difference when the crowd is into the game, and you can see our energy reflected in the team. All of the best moments in Cameron happen when the Crazies are rockin’ and we love being front and center for them!
3. RULES KEEP K-VILLE IN LINE
Tent 1 only applies to the UNC game and every other game has a separate line and admission policy. There are definitely serious rules and regulations, but without them we could have some disorderly situations. Also, it’s the rules that make tenting hard, allowing people to show their dedication by following them.
4. NIGHTS ARE TOUGHEST
During tenting, only one of us has to be present in K-Ville during the day so our hoops dedication does not get in the way of our day-to-day activities and vice versa. However, from January 4th to January 30th, eight of us have to sleep in K-Ville. Then, from January 31st until two days before the UNC game, two of us are required to sleep in K-Ville. Finally, over the last two nights leading up to the game, each tent member has to be present for three of five personal checks. We are given grace in severe weather conditions and when the temperature hits 20 degrees or below.
5. WE ARE TENTING VETERANS
A good sleeping bag (like a zero-degree) is crucial. A sleeping pad or air mattress makes sleeping easier and warmer. Multiple layers of clothing can go a long way. Tarps are also a K-Ville favorite to keep moisture out when it rains, but our tent happens to be an awesome powerhouse that does not require a tarp to keep us dry.
6. WE HAVE FUN IN K-VILLE
Our tent is located about 100 feet from Cameron and we are there a lot, so we end up seeing the coaches and players almost daily. The coaches will say hi when walking by, and the players generally wave too and sometimes bring us leftover Cook Out or pizza. Last year, we had pop-a-shot set up and a bunch of the players would drop by and play it. Greg Paulus set the all-time record. Overall, a tent might not be our ideal form of shelter, but living in the shadows of Our House has some perks.
7. IT’S ALL ABOUT COMMUNITY
Everybody in our tent donates to Crazies Who Care at every game, furthering CWC’s mission of combining charitable fundraising with athletics. Seven of us are very actively involved in CWC and volunteer at the Emily K. Center regularly. We enjoy combining our passion for Duke Basketball with our overall enthusiasm for the Duke community.
8. FRONT ROW IS WORTH IT
Generally, we try to do whatever it takes to be front and center in Cameron because once you go front row, it’s hard to go back. It makes us a feel like we’re part of the game because you’re right there on the floor with the players, coaches and refs. We love the whole experience though — tenting, the game, and the tradition. Seven of our 12 tenters are seniors and we wanted to go out in style. What will we do when tenting is over? Hopefully celebrate with a big bonfire and go from there!
Tags: "8 Elite Facts", "krzyzewskiville"
