By: Kieran Holley
Everyone knows him but not his name.
Shawn Sponaugle, of course. Sponaugle is known for his persona via Twitter as the “HHS Superfan.” The HHS Superfan is a face you’re likely to see while attending Hershey High sporting events.
Sponaugle isn’t a Hershey student, at least not anymore, but he did graduate from HHS in the class of 1996. Sponaugle then went to Lafayette College to continue his education in computer sciences. He now works as a Telecommunications Project Manager at G. R. Sponaugle & Sons, Inc.
“I have always liked sports growing up, especially since I grew up in Hershey,” Sponaugle said.
Sponaugle started his duties as the HHS Superfan in 2002 for the girls field hockey team and has continued them ever since. Since then, Sponaugle has expanded his Trojan Pride to more than just the field hockey team. But when games overlap each other, Sponaugle has a choice to make.
“It’s a close call between [favorites] field hockey and soccer in the fall, and same with ice hockey and basketball in the winter,” Sponaugle said.
The HHS Superfan tweets live during sporting events to keep fans updated, as well as tweeting a simple “Happy Birthday” to most Hershey High athletes. He also announces Hershey High boys ice hockey games.
Sponaugle doesn’t only attend HHS sporting events, he also goes to Lafayette College frequently and supports his alma mater.
Sponaugle announces the volleyball and softball games for Lafayette College. Along with announcing, Sponaugle is the replay coordinator for both men’s and women’s basketball teams at Lafayette.
“I really enjoy watching lacrosse in the spring – it’s a fast-growing sport that’s starting to gain a following in this area,” Sponaugle said.