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There are different types of sports fans. Some simply watch, not caring who wins or loses. Then there are those who might as well have staked their life on a single basket. That would be Mark "Snake" Tichenor, bottom center, who is seen calling for a technical foul. He is arguably the Lobos men's basketball team's most rabid fan. In 25 years, he figures he has missed five home games.

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There are different types of sports fans. Some simply watch, not caring who wins or loses.

Then there are those who might as well have staked their life on a single basket. That would be Mark "Snake" Tichenor, bottom center, who is seen calling for a technical foul. He is arguably the Lobos men's basketball team's most rabid fan.

In 25 years, he figures he has missed five home games.

"I've got better attendance to the games than I did in school. I'm the first one here, the last one out."

For many of us, we watch games merely as spectators. Not for Tichenor and his kind. "I figure I do make a difference in my own way," he says. "I'm worth one point at home and three on the road."

This year marks a milestone for him. After nearly 17 years of "negotiating loopholes" to have his favorite courtside seat, Tichenor has finally purchased Seat 8, Row 45, Section 26. "It's totally legit. I've got it for life."

Why be this devoted? "It's a routine. I've got an addictive personality. I'd rather use it in a positive way," he says.

People get wrapped up in sports for a reason, Tichenor says. "It's an activity where you can put your daily grind behind you. Everything else is so depressing. People need an escape."

As you read this, Tichenor has already attended at least three more basketball games.