The Magic of 'The Reef': How LIU Sharks Transformed a Gym into a Fan-Fueled Phenomenon

Welcome to 'The Reef'

It was a brisk January evening in 2023 when David Pochapin and Cameron Koffman found themselves in a faintly lit gym, the air heavy with the smell of chlorine from the swimming pool below the Steinberg Wellness Center. Their mission? Find a local college basketball team to adopt as their own. Little did they know, they were about to ignite a fan culture that would ripple throughout March Madness.

On that fateful night, they watched the LIU Sharks go down in defeat to the St. Francis Brooklyn Terriers. With an official attendance of just 400, Pochapin remarked, "The environment was terrible. You walk in, it reeks of a swimming pool." Yet, that moment laid the foundation for a community that would soon rise to the challenge of supporting their team.

From Sparse Crowds to Enthusiastic Fans

"Something was calling to us," Pochapin recalled. "What if we just started to become the fan section of this school?" With that, the wheels were set in motion for what would become known as 'the Reef.' They turned a mere college basketball game into a series of exhilarating matchdays filled with energy and camaraderie.

As they began to invite friends and family to join them at games, traditions started to form. With chants, T-shirts, and spirited cheers, Pochapin and Koffman cultivated a passionate fan base in a stadium that once felt hollow. The gym took on a new identity, becoming 'the Shark Tank,' where chants of "FINS UP!" echo through the air during crucial moments. This catchphrase became a rallying cry that resonated beyond the stands, bridging the gap between players and fans.

A Season of Transformation

This fan-supported transformation coincided with the arrival of Rod Strickland as head coach. Each successive season saw an improvement in the Sharks' performance: from a dismal 3-26 season to a commendable 24-10 with one of the best home records in the nation. This remarkable turnaround has instilled a renewed sense of hope and excitement among players and fans alike.

The Sharks' victory against Chicago State secured their spot in the NCAA tournament, largely thanks to the growing excitement from the Reef. Pochapin describes the surreal feeling they experienced when watching a crowded gym supporting their team, contrasting it to their initial visit where few fans witnessed the action.

The Heart of College Basketball

The magic of 'fins up' stems from its grassroots origins. Long Island University, known for a somewhat convoluted identity, found unity through its mascot, the Sharks. As the program consolidated support from both its Brooklyn and Post campuses, it built a stronger identity—one that captured the hearts of students and graduates alike.

"To be in the arena on Tuesday and see a full crowd, you think, 'Yeah, this clicked.'" - Michael Berthel, LIU Vice President for Student Affairs

Shaping the Season at the Shark Tank

Long Island's gym has seen it all—from exhilarating victories to emotional farewells. The now-legendary chant, first born during a game in 2024, reflects the fans' playful yet passionate approach to supporting LIU during free throws. Koffman recounted how their simple ritual morphed into what is now a trademark of the Sharks' home games, delighting players and fans alike.

Community Spirit: More Than Just a Game

The transformation of LIU basketball into a community affair is further embodied by memorable moments such as bringing pets to games and the spirit of camaraderie among fans of all backgrounds. This season, even a miniature dachshund named Winston donned a fin and became a mascot of sorts for the Reef, solidifying its reputation as a welcoming space for all.

As they moved through the NEC tournament, the growing popularity of the Reef was evident with more than 1,500 fans attending the championship game. When it came time to shoot free throws, almost every hand in the gym held high a foam shark fin, creating an atmosphere electric with support.

The Climb Ahead

As the Sharks prepare to face off against the top-ranked Arizona Wildcats, anticipation buzzes throughout the gym. Known for being the ultimate Cinderella story, they'll carry their mantra of 'fins up' into battle, hoping to pull off what many deem impossible. But that's the heart of March Madness—anything can happen, and the Sharks are living proof of that.

"At the end of the day, this is about the players. The team's performance is why we care so much about the games." - Cameron Koffman

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the culture emerging around LIU basketball exemplifies the essence of college sports—raw passion, dedicated community, and the quest for glory. As the Sharks navigate the complexities of the NCAA tournament, they carry with them the hopes and dreams of a fan base that has turned out in droves to revel in this unexpected journey. Here's to the LIU Sharks—a community transformed, where every game is not just an event but a celebration of spirit. Fins up!