Hollensteiner says the opportunity to play with Riverside Church was the main reason he received scholarship offers from such Division I schools as Fordham and Manhattan.

He chose Harvard for its "all-around environment." And Harvard, in turn, has chosen him as a home-crowd favorite.

Freshmen spectators initiated the now-ritual reaction, which soon swelled to the rest of the crowd. "It's nice because I get pumped up," Hollensteiner said. "Obviously, freshmen don't get to play too much, so it helps a lot."

"I'm not the most naturally gifted athlete," he added, "but I'm a team player."

But despite his experience at Riverside, and despite the attention he has received from Harvard fans, this season has been a tough one for Hollensteiner.

"The change from high school to college ball is so different," he said. "I have played a lot better in practice than in games. I just need more experience."

"I like to see myself carrying this team," Hollensteiner said, "but hopefully, because of our talent, it's not going to happen."

He mentioned the "Freshmen Five" (Hollensteiner, Brian Mackey, Scott Gilly, Sean Duffy and Brian Ehrlich), and the "learning experience" each Yardling has gone through this season.

In a losing season, Hollensteiner has known cheers--mainly for his appearance. Who knows what the reaction will be in a winning season.