In a less-than-packed gym at Bellevue College, the echoes reverberated off the walls each time an Islander player stepped to the free throw line.

“REEEEEEEEEE-BOUNNNNND”, came the chant from the opposite side of the stands. Not from a raucous student section or the cheer squad, but a single Bellevue freshman, dressed in such a way no one would ever mistake him for anything other than a Wolverine fanatic.

Nick Nyquist is the shameless young go-hard’s name and nothing; not a 3 p.m. Tuesday tipoff, a second-half deficit fueled by a litany of missed free throws, or the almost comical nature of being  the only student in school colors and on his feet, was going to stop him from cheering on his peers and having a great time in the process.

“I’m here because I want to support my team,” Nyquist told me in a matter-of-fact tone during the half. “I just think it’s fun.”

Other Bellevue students filed in during the game dressed in school clothes and sitting in cliques, as teenagers are wont to do.

Only Nyquist stood and cheered throughout, sporting his emotions on his blue and gold sleeves.

He buried his head in his hands when the Wolverines faltered down the stretch, pleaded with the referees on every close call and finally exhaled when the Islanders’ final attempt from half court was late and off the mark, securing a Bellevue win.

By his count, this is the fifth or sixth time this season he has been the lone representative of the student body willing to go “Super Fan” at a game.

But for myself, even with a lifetime watching and covering prep sports, it was a first.

Some might read this and think I’m taking a shot at the Bellevue fans and students for not loading up the stands for an afternoon game during the middle of the week.

Let me assure you I’m not.

It’s easy for teens, insecure pack animals by nature, to cram tightly into their designated section and organize chants that are offered up with a shared voice 200-strong.

But heading to a game decked-out in fan gear during freshman year and standing solo the entire time?

That takes guts.

I’ve heard more than once from opposing fans and media that are surprised the Wolverines don’t pack the stands for each and every contest.

If their school had a Nick Nyquist, maybe they would understand.

For the love of the game is a Reporter column written by sports reporter Josh Suman. Call Josh at 425-453-5045