Neither snow nor rain nor cold nor gloom of night can stop these fans from completion of their appointed shifts. Besides being a take-off of the U.S. Postal Service's motto, around 500 die-hard Virginia basketball fans are claiming that phrase as their own as they reach the half-way point in the week leading up to the Duke game.
If you were to trek out to University Hall to survey the scene around five o'clock Wednesday evening, around 56 tents would have been there to greet you.
An eclectic mix of students has taken up residence on the space of concrete between Onesty Hall and U-Hall, and it's not because they can't pay for housing, but rather because they have one thing in common: love for the game.
"U.Va. basketball is probably one of the most exciting things that goes on around the University," second year College student Lee Martin said. "The atmosphere at U-Hall, when there are 3,000 people behind you screaming ... it's electric and I love it."
As the Cavaliers have been gaining confidence and momentum with the recent wins, attention and support have been on the rise.
"It's all about the intensity of the team," fourth-year College student Anton Reese said. "You've got Travis Watson being a beast inside and you've got Todd Billet knocking out the lights on the outside. It's picking up and our team's getting unified and I've really looked forward to this."
Most 'Hooville residents are quick to express their desire for good seats at the game on Saturday night, and went so far as to pitch their tents immediately at the final whistle of the N.C. State game.
"It's part of the experience of the game because when you put a lot of work into something, it's worth even more," fourth-year College student Preston Jones said.
These fans know that besides all the practice, hard work and skill that the team will bring to the court Saturday night, the energy of the spectators will have an immeasurable effect.
"We're a team that's known for upsets and for playing up to the level that we're up against," 'Hoo Crew member Todd Fridley said. "Sometimes we struggle against teams we should play well against, but if we have a good crowd like we will for the Duke game then there's definitely the potential for a big game upset."
And while some are camping out for good seats, others take pride in acquiring only the absolute best.
"Being down on the court is such an advantage, even in a place as small as U-Hall," second-year College student John Nader said. "You're right in front of the action, within an arm's reach of most of the players. Not like you're gonna hit them, but if you wanted to hit them, you could."
Fourth years, especially, have been a major contributor to the increase in population at 'Hooville, this being their last chance to see Virginia take on Duke in Charlottesville.
Neither the bitter cold nor the intensity of the classes as midterms approach have phased these fans enough to drive them out of 'Hooville. Many have been using the time to stay caught up with work or just take a break and relax with old friends or meet new ones.
After witnessing last year's victory, many said they feel the time spent in 'Hooville is well worth the effort.
"The game is only two hours long, but this is like a week long preparation," first year Ben Milam said. "The rest of my group loves it out here and it's contagious."
Besides a deep-seated love for the Virginia team, many of these students create a sense of solidarity by uniting against long time rival Duke. One fan responded to every question with, "I hate Krzyzewski."
Others, however, were more philosophical: "There's a deep sense of commitment and even unity, so when you go out there [to watch the games] it's not just that the players are scoringpoints, but you feel like you're a part of it," first year Brandon Furlong said.
Whether it be love of basketball, simple enjoyment of camping, Virginia school spirit, loathing of the Blue Devils or the overall excitement surrounding the entire settlement, 'Hooville season is at its peak and new residents are always welcome.
"It's cool to see how tents keep getting put up further and further down the ramp," said first year Evan Johnson. "The more fans we have the better chance we'll have to win the game."
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