- December 26, 2024
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In one short moment, the entire sports world was introduced to Matanzas grad and University of North Florida band member, Stephen Putnam, when he took Eminem’s challenge serious to “Lose yourself in the music, the moment, you own it, and never let it go” and erupted into an ecstatic dance at the UNF conference championship game, when the song “Turn Down for What?” pumped through the speakers.
After going crazy for 45 seconds and removing three of the same pep band shirts, he poured water on his head and continued to add a little more crazy for another 45 seconds to the sound of a standing ovation from the crowd. He wasn’t aware that cameras were even following him; He was doing what he had been doing since his Matanzas days, where he had the reputation of being the “crazy sports guy.”
“This happened just by me being a passionate sports fan,” Putnam said. “I actually can’t dance outside of whatever that is that I do at games.”
The video of his dance immediately went viral and caught the eye of ESPN, who has interviewed him, and it is featured as one of its “Must See” clips. Putnam was also ranked on ESPN’s Not Top 10 plays of the week.
The coolest part for Putnam, thus far, has been getting to meet the UNF players and coach. They got a kick out of his dance, and they’re positive about it, so that’s what made it worth it for him.
Putnam, a freshman, plays the baritone horn in UNF band, and he played the piano and French horn for the Pirates last year. When asked about his parents’ thoughts, when they saw the video, he said, “They it was pretty funny. My dad has gone to other games, so he was aware that I do that a lot.”
Since becoming an overnight sensation, Putnam’s Facebook account has not ceased to flood with hundreds of notifications every time he logs on, but he doesn’t mind it.
“I think the attention is good, as long as it stays positive, and as long as it remains on the fact that our teams is going to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in history,” he added.
Putnam's dance can be viewed below.
