The Life of Columbus Destroyers Superfan: "Dawgman"
Joe Couch
Monday April 8, 2019
Growing up as a kid, I went to many Columbus Destroyer games. There was always something that caught my eye at every game that I attended. It was this “larger than life” fan that would always be sitting behind the endzone. He seemed like he had the dream life. He was always communicating with the team, players, and even the opposing teams. He went to every game and I often saw him on television during the away games as well. I did my research back then and found out his name was Scott "Dawgman" Turner. He literally had it all because of his dedication to the game of Arena Football and the Columbus Destroyers.
When the team came back this year and I got this writing position at ArenaFan, I knew I wanted to write an article about the man they called Dawgman. He was kind enough to do an interview with me and I was able to pick his brain about the life that he used to live and the life that he will be living for AFL seasons to come with the Destroyers. I felt privileged to get to do an interview with the biggest superfan of the Columbus Destroyers. Here is the interview between me and “Dawgman.”
Joe Couch: “How did you become an arena football fan?”
Dawgman: “I never knew anything about the AFL at first. I knew that the Destroyers were a new team to the area and wanted to take interest in a new hobby. I thought to myself that football is football, so I will like the game no matter what it has to offer. I ended up buying season tickets to the Destroyers and learned from scratch in 2004. I bought tickets for my wife and I and we started going to every game. I instantly was sold on being so close to the action and the fast pace action that occurred during the games. I loved meeting the players and getting to know them up close and personal. I picked up on the game after the first few games.”
JC: “What was the experience like when you started to be known as a superfan?”
Dawgman: “It was absolutely incredible. The Destroyers took me in like I was apart of the team and did a lot for me. I used to ride the bus with the players to the games. I used to eat team meals with them and stay in the same hotel as them. They treated me like I was family to them. Anything I wanted, they would be willing to help. Honestly, I would be catered to and it was unbelievable. The equipment manager used to come over and would ask me if he could do anything for me. I would sit with the management staff at the games and get to go into the locker rooms after the games. For a game in Dallas, I got to sit near Joey Galloway, which was a remarkable experience for me. I also started to interact more with the players, especially with the opposing team. I would always talk a little smack and try to help my team out as much as I could. I started building rivalries, which was a blast for me.”
JC: “What is your favorite Columbus Destroyer memory?”
Dawgman: “My favorite memory would have to be the game at Dallas in the playoffs. Just being able to watch an upset of that magnitude was incredible. I had a rivalry with Clint Dolezel, and we would talk before the games. I talked to him before this playoff game and told him that all he had to do was just win today. I sat by the owners of the team during the game and never had more fun at a game. I remember the whole game, especially when we recovered those two kicks to start the second half and take the lead. The whole game was like a dream. After we pulled off the upset, I got the same shirt and hat that the team received. I got to go into the locker room and Matt Nagy even signed a football for me that said, “we shocked the world.” That game would have to be my favorite memory!”
JC: “What was your favorite road venue?”
Dawgman: “I would have to say that Nashville was my favorite road venue. The arena was very cool, and I always had a great time there. The fans were very relaxed, and I loved talking to all of them.”
JC: “Who was your favorite player back in the day?”
Dawgman: “I loved number 25, Sedrick Robinson, because of the way he played the game. He had a ton of heart. I sat in the endzone, so I got to talk to him a lot because he returned kickoffs. He was not the most popular guy on the team, but he was such a class act, that he instantly became my favorite player. That is why I always wore a jersey with the number 25 on it.”
JC: “What are your expectations for this season going forward?”
Dawgman: “Well, I am so excited to get things going again in Columbus. The staff working in the front office all know what they are doing and are going to make this a very successful organization. Rich Witmeyer, the team’s COO, has really been impressive in everything that he is doing on his end. Coach Sauk has done nothing but impress me as well. I have nothing but good things to say about him, as he is so down to earth and great to get along with. I just cannot wait to get things started this season, as it should be a very special one for the Destroyers and all of our fans.”
JC: “Tell me more about your personal life.”
Dawgman: “Well, I have been married for 30 years now. I have 3 daughters. One is married, one is attending Ohio State, and the other one is in Columbus still. I attended Texas State University and graduated from there. I am work in the legal field and love it. I have lived all around the world in my life and enjoyed every minute of it.”
I just want to give a huge thank you to Dawgman for allowing me to do this interview and to get to know one of the best fans in the league a little better. It was a pleasure doing the interview and we both cannot be more excited for this season to get underway at the end of this month!
Joe Couch has been an avid sports fan, especially Arena Football, since he was a little kid. He has always been a die-hard Columbus Destroyers fan. Joe received a full ride scholarship to play golf at the University of Northwestern Ohio. He graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor`s Degree in Business Management, while also enjoying a successful collegiate golf career. Joe is now an insurance agent, but also enjoys writing about the Columbus AFL team in his spare time. You can follow Joe and his Columbus fan page on twitter @AFLCOLUMBUS2019
