Cogan, a College of Business Administration freshman, was the "at-large" winner of Coca-Cola's Most Devoted Fan contest, earning a free trip for two to Atlanta for the men's basketball NCAA Final Four.,”

Pat Cogan was the largest fan in the Marquette student section. By one account, he's also the biggest college basketball fan in nation.

Cogan, a College of Business Administration freshman, was the "at-large" winner of Coca-Cola's Most Devoted Fan contest, earning a free trip for two to Atlanta for the men's basketball NCAA Final Four.

Donning an inflatable fat suit, basketball mask and blue and gold wig, Cogan became a fixture at Marquette men's basketball games this season.

"Fat Pat" could be seen bouncing around the first few rows of the student section at just about every home game. Such prime real estate at the Bradley Center doesn't come easily, according Cogan.

"I'm usually in line about four hours before tip-off," he said. "It's rough waiting that long, but there's nothing like being that close to the game."

At the advice of a friend, Cogan entered the nationwide contest by submitting a two-minute video showcasing his pre-game routine and some Marquette basketball traditions.

It turned out that "Fat Pat" was exactly the kind of fan Coke was looking for. Susan McDermott, spokeswoman for Coca-Cola North America, said Cogan was the "clear choice."

"Pat's video demonstrated exactly what college basketball fans are all about," she said. "We loved Pat's creativity and personality."

When Pat received the good news via a cell phone call, he thought it was too good to be true.

"I remember the first thing I said was 'I don't believe you.' I thought it was one of my friends playing a prank on me," he said.

As the "at-large" winner, Cogan was automatically awarded the Final Four trip. Sixty-four other fans were chosen to represent their respective teams via photographs on Coca-Cola's "Human Bracket," a massive tournament bracket sprawled across the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta.

Cogan represented Marquette on the giant bracket.

"My picture didn't get very far," he said.

Although the Golden Eagles didn't advance past the first round in this year's tournament, many at Marquette were excited about Cogan's big win.

"I think it's huge," said Assistant Athletics Director Craig Pintens before Cogan's trip to Atlanta. "Pat is going to be a great representative of Marquette. He's going to show the whole nation how dedicated our fans are."

Pat said he enjoys representing his school in Atlanta, and appreciates the different atmosphere of Final Four games.

"The fans don't necessarily root for a specific team; they're just great fans of the game," Cogan said.

Cogan also said he enjoys the first class treatment, and has been featured in his hometown paper, The Plain Dealer in Cleveland, and in a segment with 46 News, Atlanta's CBS affiliate. Many spectators have requested pictures with the fat fan.

"It's mostly teenage girls and old ladies," he said.

The Final Four could be the last hurrah for "Fat Pat." Cogan is applying for a team manager position with the men's basketball team, a move that might end his famous fan persona. He said passing on the suit is a possibility.

"There would have to be an extensive interview process," he joked. "I take my job pretty seriously."

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