STrib: "Blanket Lady", Elvera "Peps" Neuman Now Channels Her Enthusiasm Towards the Gophers

[Ignatius L Hoops]

Gophers' beloved 'Blanket Lady' Peps Neuman was once a star athlete, too

A basketball pioneer from the years before Title IX, Elvera "Peps" Neuman now channels her enthusiasm toward the Gophers.

www.startribune.com

The most famous blanket in Twin Cities sports started out with a humble purpose. When it was given to Vicky Nelson, it was meant to do what blankets usually do: keep someone’s legs warm.

Nelson often got chilly while watching Gophers women’s basketball games from the wheelchair area at Williams Arena. A group of fans who sat nearby bought the blanket — maroon and gold fleece, with Goldy Gopher in the middle — to keep her comfortable during the 2006-07 season. Touched by the gift, Nelson’s caregiver, Elvera Neuman, held up the blanket so everyone could see it.

And then …

“I ran about 10 feet, and people started applauding,” Neuman said. “So I just kept running.”

 

[GringaGopher]

Love blanket Lady and her support for women's basketball !

 

[El Amin Fan]

She's a legend at the women's games.