On Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 8:30 p.m. ET, Delaware will face the University of Louisiana for the first time for the 68 Ventures Bowl. Although the opponents are familiar with (and undefeated at) Hancock Whitney Stadium, the Blue Hens bring with them something just as powerful: a national fan base mobilizing across state lines, with official watch parties planned in four states and alumni traveling from across the country to witness history in person.

For many members of the UD community, this bowl game is not just about football. It's about decades of memories, lifelong friendships and palpable institutional pride. Here, meet some of the alumni making the trip.

From first date to first bowl

On Saturday, Oct. 18, 1969, Russ and Donna Crook went on their first date: a home football game against West Chester, which Delaware won, 24-8.

Season ticket holders since their 1972 graduation, the Double Dels are now gearing up for UD's first FBS bowl game in Mobile, Alabama, where the couple offered the team the following advice: "Play hard. Have fun. Thanks for being Blue Hens."