Cooper Farr is one of No. 3 Syracuse’s (12-1, 2-1 Atlantic Coast) most passionate followers. He can be found anxiously watching the on-field action from his perch atop the bleachers at J.S. Coyne Stadium. He wears an Orange bandana to the team’s home games and cheers wildly whenever SU scores a goal.

Sounds like normal fan behavior, right? Well, Cooper isn’t exactly your average fan.

He’s a dog. A Goldendoodle to be exact.

Cooper became a part of freshman forward Karlee Farr’s family seven years ago, and now he is quickly becoming a popular member of the Syracuse family.

“Everyone loves him, and we could easily consider him the team’s second mascot,” Farr said.

Weighing in at more than 50 pounds, Cooper usually fits the definition of a gentle giant. His fluffy white fur, custom Syracuse leash and carefree demeanor make him popular among spectators, who are always willing to give him a courtesy pat on the head.

But once the game begins, he’s a completely different animal.

Karlee’s parents, Jane and Don, knew he was full of energy. But even they were surprised by his devotion to his human sibling and the entire Syracuse team.

“We tried to take him to games in high school, but he was too close to the field. He’d see his girl out there and a ball, and he’d want to go out,” Jane Farr said. “This was an experiment. He was quiet until they announced Karlee’s name over the intercom, then he just started howling.

“He only howls when they do good. When the fans cheer, he cheers, too.”

As it turns out, he’s not camera-shy either.

“He made it on ESPN last time,” Karlee Farr said with a smile.

Of course, being a canine is not all fun and games.

Because Cooper is so big, he isn’t even allowed to stay in pet-friendly hotels. Thus, he is forced to remain home in Mount Joy, Pa., when the team plays multiple games during the same weekend.

When he does hit the road, the four-hour car ride poses its own challenge.

“The first time, it was the furthest he had ever driven in a car. He didn’t know what was up, but he was so excited,” Jane Farr said. “He won’t relax and won’t sleep. He’s on attention because he knows something is about to happen.”

Even after those frequent driver miles, he simply isn’t ready to calm down.

When midfielder Emma Russell scored the Orange’s first goal in a 3-1 victory against New Hampshire on Sunday, Cooper tilted his head skyward and gave numerous barks of approval.

Russell and the other players always take notice of their four-legged superfan.

“He’s a big dog. He makes noise, and he howls all the time, so we always know when he’s here,” Russell said. “People come here every week and bring different people, and now there’s animals associated with Syracuse field hockey too, which is always cool.”

Amazingly, the Orange’s wonder dog might even have a few more tricks up his sleeve for future games.

Jane Farr wasn’t ready to make guarantees, but she said that Cooper might even dress up to promote the team’s shark-inspired motto: “Own the ocean.”

“I can see Cooper showing up here sometime with a fin on his back,” she said. “I’ve seen other teams that come. They have mascots, and if they don’t have a live one, they bring a stuffed animal. So why not?”

Published on October 15, 2013 at 12:20 am

Contact Tyler: tfpiccot@syr.edu