Collegiate Times

orangemann_center_03.04.09

Imagine stepping to the free-throw line in overtime while thousands upon thousands of screaming college students attempt to rupture your eardrums.

Now imagine raising your eyes toward the hoop to catch the following vision: a grown man gyrating in full-body orange spandex and a maroon cape.

North Carolina State would indeed come up empty in their first two free-throw trips of overtime and fall behind quickly in the Hokies' dramatic 91-87 home victory on Feb. 8.

"With him going crazy back there, I can see how it could be distracting," Virginia Tech forward J.T. Thompson said with a chuckle.

While many know this as the day the Hokies' season teetered before one of the most riveting comebacks in school history, it also marked the arrival of an unexpected hero -- Orange Mann.

Chapter 1: A hero arises

An undeniable, or -- depending on whether he's behind your basket -- unavoidable element of the periphery, Orange Mann has been spotted by jumbotron, television camera and Atlantic Coast Conference basketball player alike since he began to assert his abilities against the Wolfpack on Feb. 8.

It's uncertain which world he calls home or the full extent of his powers, but this caped-crusader has aided protection of the Cassell by swooping into the front row behind the opposition's basket and busting a few moves.

For two hours.

"To have people cheer more because I'm making a fool of myself, I guess, would be the best power that Orange Mann has," said Orange Mann.

"I want him jumping and doing everything," Tech guard Hank Thorns said. "I want him to get the whole crowd into it. When our crowd gets into it, we get into it."

As long as Orange Mann -- who was first spotted on Jan. 29 -- uses his power for good, Cassell authorities don't see why he shouldn't be allowed to.

"We noticed him the night of the Clemson game when all the students were wearing the black T-shirts; he kind of stood out in his orange costume," said Alicia Longworth, assistant director of sports and marketing promotions at Tech.

"He brought a lot to the student section and had a lot of passion for the game, clearly, if he's willing to wear that uniform and dance any time the band is playing."

Orange Mann not only ensured his vigilante activism was acceptable with Cassell authorities, but also received their help with his cause starting with Tech's home game against Florida State on Feb. 21.

Prior to the game, he contacted Longworth over obstacles presented to him by ushers and security. With Longworth's help, the necessary costume adjustments were made to continue his saga.

Another superpower possessed by Orange Mann, besides dance moves that pump volume out of his section, is the license to enter games he didn't receive a lottery ticket for and claim seats.

The latter power is not used for evil, as Longworth said he could only take vacant seats that lack ticket holders when he edges down to taunt opposing free-throw shooters. Just a nod from his spandex-encased head is all the ticket he needs.

Granted, these are all abilities that anyone with a standby ticket can enjoy, but few do it with such noticeable flair or fabric.

"I've never pointed at him, but I'll make sure I point at him next time," Thorns said. "I'll definitely show him some love."

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