Fan Feature: Jim “Booty” Bruce

The name "Booty" is a familiar one to many of those in the Troy Family. Jim "Booty" Bruce has been a lifelong fan of the Trojans, and he has experienced the highs and lows of Troy Athletics for several decades. He estimates that he has been to roughly 250 football games and hundreds of other athletic events.

Booty came to Troy in 1973 when Highway 231 was just a two-lane road, and he joined the football team as an offensive lineman. The thing he recalls most about his days as a student-athlete is the friendships he created with his teammates.

"This University has changed so much since I was here. It is lot of fun," Booty said. "I wasn't much of a player, but the guys I met here are still great friends. I see them all the time and we still hang out together."

Many Troy fans don't know of the days when players were lifting weights under the stands in The Vet or in Sartain Hall, but Booty remembers those days well. During his time as an athlete, football practice took place at the armory across the street from the field in a large hole converted into practice fields, the summer heat scorching with no air flow.

Back then, on a good day, about 10,000 fans would pack the stands on gameday. These days, Troy is seeing growth like never before. Troy is adding premier facilities to its nationally recognized program. With Trojan Arena and the new North End Zone Football Facility, Troy is continuing to make a statement and compete among the best, something Booty is excited about.

Booty graduated in 1977 but had no interest in leaving Troy. He became the general manager of Horn Beverage Company, a job he is passionate about. Booty always wants to ensure that everyone around him is always having a good time on gamedays and during other events in the community that he loves.

"Tailgating is one of my favorite things to do here," Booty said. "I enjoy the camaraderie with the fans and the alumni that return on gamedays. Trojan Walk is a great introduction, and I love the entire atmosphere of game day here at Troy."

Booty has attended hundreds of Troy Athletic events, but this past football season, Troy's first 10-win season in Division I history, is one of his all-time favorites memories in recent years. The win over Ohio in the Dollar General Bowl was just icing on the cake of a great season.

"The win last year in Mobile at the Dollar General Bowl just set the precedence of what we have ahead for us in the future," Booty said. "Troy is going to continue to do great things."

When it comes to Troy, Booty never meets a stranger. Whether it's a coach, another loyal supporter or someone just passing through, he makes everyone fall in love with this town and this community just like he did many years ago.

For those who currently attend Troy, he advises them to enjoy the experience and live in the moment, because once you leave and get out in the "real world" everything changes. For the fans, Booty reminds them to not forget where they came from. Right now, Troy is on a national stage and great things are happening in the town and at the university, but remaining humble and committed is always important.

"Take advantage of the opportunity you have been given at Troy to get a great education and enjoy yourself," Booty said. "The pageantry and excitement of game day is one of the best experiences. You just have to immerse yourself into the entire Troy image."

Booty's support and love for the Trojans is unwavering. Whether it is a home game, or a road trip a thousand miles away, Booty can always be found on the sidelines cheering for his alma mater. He is just one of the many friendly faces Troy has to offer.

"Troy is a pearl in the ocean," he says. "Everyone just falls in love when they come here."

Troy University Athletics

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