Jason Koski/University Photography

From left, David Skorton, his wife, Robin Davisson, and Hunter R. Rawlings sing the national anthem before the Jan. 21 Cornell men's hockey game against Clarkson in Lynah Rink.

Jason Koski/University Photography

Skorton acknowledges the Lynah Faithful after being introduced as Cornell's 12th president. With him on the red carpet are, from left, Robin Davisson, Elizabeth Rawlings and President Hunter Rawlings.

Jason Koski/University Photography

David Skorton and his wife, Robin Davisson, shout "Let's go Red!" to an appreciative crowd at Lynah Rink Jan. 21.

David Skorton is a man from Iowa who admits he hasn't a clue about ice hockey, and certainly no experience in the rituals of the Lynah Faithful. On Saturday, Jan. 21, the newly named Cornell president got a full dose of both.

Skorton and his wife, Robin Davisson, witnessed time-honored Lynah rituals before the game: the explosion of joy when the Big Red bolts onto the ice; the distribution of newspapers for the fans to shake while the opposing lineup is announced, and the hurling of the papers onto the ice. To say nothing of the constant, aggressive Faithful chants.

After the Canadian and American national anthems were sung, there was a pause as a red carpet was laid on the ice. Escorted by Interim President Hunter R. Rawlings and Elizabeth Rawlings, Skorton and Davisson walked out on the Lynah ice.

Rawlings thanked the president of Clarkson University for approving the departure from ordinary procedure, and then announced, "Big Red fans, this morning the board of trustees elected David J. Skorton as president of Cornell University."

As the crowd roared its approval, fists pumping, Rawlings presented Skorton and Davisson with Cornell hockey jerseys (#25 and #29). Team captain Matt Moulson skated over to shake Skorton's hand, then returned to the bench. A moment later, after coaxing from his teammates, he returned to the red carpet and gave Davisson a friendly Big Red hug.

The Lynah Faithful sighed, "Awwwww."

Seizing the moment, Skorton took the mike, put his arm around his wife and yelled, "The only thing my wife and I can say is, 'Let's go Red!" The crowd erupted in frenzied cheers.

Skorton and Davisson were escorted to seats where, until their early departure for home, they witnessed the Lynah Faithful's famed -- and feared -- raucous support for the Big Red.

After a rugged three periods, Cornell beat Clarkson, 4-2.