Seriously guys, this guy's last name is Root. It's as if he was practically ordained by the guys of irony into being a world-class sports fan. Phil Root has probably incited more waves and been featured on the Jumbo-Tron more times than the whole college of education combined. If you've ever been to an ASU football, baseball, or basketball game you've probably seen Phil. He used to sport a multi-colored Mohawk, but recently cut it off because not only is he doing observation for his secondary education degree, but he is also assistant coaching for Chandler High School's junior varsity football team.
Recently Root, a 22-year-old secondary education and chemistry senior, has gained some new additions to his cheering section. Male and female friends have begun accompanying him while donning shirts that say "Phil's Bro's" and "Phil's Ho's," respectively. SPM found Phil in his "Bro's" and "Ho's" cheering section, where else but in the front row of Saturday's ASU football game.
SPM Don't I know you?
Root: WHAT?????
SPM CAN I INTERVIEW YOU FOR MY COLUMN?
Root: GO DEVILS!!!!
(SPM can see that Phil is a little distracted so SPM gets Phil's number and calls him the next day.)
SPM What makes you want to come to all of these games?
Root: I love competition and the atmosphere of these games. The teams are out there giving 110 percent, and they deserve the support.
SPM How did the whole, "Ho's and Bros" thing come about?
Root: It's something that started just this year. A few of my friends were just sittin' around they thought, 'we should be your ho's.' It's nothing that was intended to be derogatory.
SPM Were you aware of the State Press editorial that got a bunch of heat for using those same terms?
Root: I thought (the editorial) was freaking awesome. I thought it was pretty funny.
SPM What do you think of the whole idea of recruiters?
Root: You gotta' have something to attract the players and Hmm... let's think about it. It's a good way of utilizing their resources. Other than that I don't have any basis for knowin' what really goes on. I think it's up to the program to prove its integrity.
SPM What are some of the most exciting games you've been to?
Root: I don't know, beating UA in basketball a couple of years ago - that was awesome, that was exciting. There have been a lot of exciting baseball games... traveling to regionals was fun, we lost but the game was really exciting. Beating UA in football was cool, and we did it with class.
SPM Didn't you used to have a different hairstyle?
Root: I used to have a mohawk, but I had to start observation for me education degree so I shaved it. I had to grow up and look professional.
SPM You're still going to keep painting your face though, right?
Root: I used to paint my chest and stuff, now it's just my face. I'm trying to slow down gradually, but I'll have to bring my crazy antics to the alumni section, eventually.
SPM Do you still get excited when you see yourself on the Jumbo-Tron?
Root: I don't really care as much about that. A lot of people want to get up there, though. The girls sitting next to us were trying to get on there and I yelled at them for not paying attention to the game. The most important thing is a full, crazy stadium making noise and a rockin' hostile environment for opposition.
SPM Do you play any sports yourself?
Root: Not at the college level, but right now I'm coaching football at Chandler High School.
SPM Do you wear your face paint to those games?
Root: I gotta' be a respectable coach. It's a little more serious because I'm actually involved in the game.
SPM Is coaching something you'd like to continue?
Root: Yeah, that's why I've been doing so much with student teaching. It's been a hard transition. I used to be able to hang out on campus a lot and now I pretty much go straight to practice when I'm done.
SPM Any final thoughts on Sundevil sports?
Root: It's been really nice to see the student section grow a lot. Part of the reason is that the team's a lot better this year, hopefully what we've been trying to build up to a more exciting environment has been bringing people out, too. (Going to games) should be part of your college experience. I highly recommend it.
Reach the reporter at joy.hepp@asu.edu.
