The Wolverine Clap is known throughout the speed skating world. When a Wolverine approaches the starting line you will hear the sound of their teammates and fans clapping in unison, slow at first but getting faster and faster until just before the gun. You have heard the clap, but do you know where, and how it started?
Here is Coach Robb Dunn - "Virgil Dooley started the Clap back in 1978 with the Bonaventure Speed Team in Farmington Hills, Michigan. He started it to instill a "Team" atmosphere. It took off from there and grew into a Wolverine tradition. I believe it helps pump a skater up and lets them know the team is behind them. I think it helps everyone involved feel like they are part of the team."
