By Christina M. Wright, Herald Bulletin Staff Writer
ANDERSON, Ind. – Imagine being a self-proclaimed “biggest Colts fan.” Then, imagine cleaning your living room and accidentally scooping your first Colts game ticket into the trash. What would you do?
Andersonian Cody Chandler, 25, didn’t give it a second thought.
“I went into the Dumpster in my apartments and I got it out,” he said proudly of his 15-minute dive.
That prized game ticket from Aug. 20, 2009 now hangs in a frame on his wall.
Chandler is one of the area Colts fans who have feverishly decorated their homes in blue and white and every horseshoe-emblazoned trinket available.
“I have Colts stuff in just about every room,” he said. “I got stuff scattered all over the place.”
He said Saturday he owns playing cards, throw pillows, towels, and an assortment of pennants, hats and T-shirts.
“I’m the biggest Colts fan you will ever meet,” he said.
Anita Woodsides, 85, would try to give him a run for his money.
“I enjoy all of the players,” she said.
Woodsides has decorated her room at Keystone Woods Assisted Living in as much blue and white as she could. Colts can be seen on her bed, in her kitchen, and even on her door.
“It’s been decorated a while,” she said.
The door features a Colts helmet magnet, blue and white balloons, a Colts sock and an emblem from the first Super Bowl.
Woodsides said she’s been a Colts fan since the team came to Indianapolis.
“I didn’t know much about them until they came,” she said. “I think Peyton Manning is a great man.”
Chandler said he’s been a Colts fan since Jim Harbaugh quarterbacked for the team.
His very first Colts gear came at Christmas a few years ago in the form of a throw pillow. Since, he said, he’s probably spent over $2,000 on Colts stuff.
To show his Colts spirit today, Chandler said, he will watch the game at a friend’s house until he has to go to work at PetsMart.
“I’m wearing everything Colts,” he said. “I don’t care what my boss thinks. I’ll wear my uniform underneath, of course.”
Contact Christina M. Wright, 640-4883, christina.wright@heraldbulletin.com.
