If you have ever attended a Grinnell College basketball game, you probably noticed the stomping. It happens every time an opponent attempts a free throw. But it’s not Grinnell students doing the stomping. Instead, it’s three longtime Grinnell residents.
Jeff Dickinson, Verl Beck and Dennis Engelbart are collectively known as “The Stompers” by Grinnell College basketball players. They attend almost every game.
The three have regularly attended Grinnell men’s basketball games for the last three seasons. The team’s reputation brought them to the games. “It’s a fun and exciting game,” Engelbart explained.
But it is the relationships the three have built that keep them coming back, especially with the players. Many players have signed the shirt and hat that Beck wears to almost every game. Beck also has pictures with players and head coach David Arseneault Jr. `09.
Beck’s favorite player is John Vincent `26, whom he calls “Big John.” But he also says he likes them all. Beck said that the players call his photos “the good luck charm.”
“Players are surprised when I ask them for their autograph,” Beck said. He explained that it was something he first did with NASCAR drivers.
Even though Beck has most of the autographs, all three have relationships with the players. “I just really like talking to them,” said Engelbart.
It’s not just the basketball team that keeps the three coming back — it’s each other. All three have lived in Grinnell for more than 10 years and have built relationships with each other.
“I stay [in Grinnell] to hang out with these two friends,” Dickinson said, as Beck and Engelbart laughed.
The Stompers attend both men’s and women’s basketball games. The three men also said they are regulars at women’s volleyball and soccer games as well.
They also attended last year’s send-off for the Grinnell men’s basketball team prior to the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III men’s basketball tournament.
But the men’s basketball team is their first love, and all three have high expectations for this year’s team.
“I think we’re going to go all the way,” said Engelbart about winning the NCAA tournament.
“We’re a quick team this year,” added Beck. Dickinson said he was excited about the
eight new freshmen Grinnell had added this year.
If you want to talk to The Stompers, you can find them sitting under the west hoop of Darby Gym, stomping away.
This article has been updated to correct the spelling of Verl Beck’s name. Updated on 12/11/2025.
