Unless you are one of the five people below the 49th parallel who still care about hockey, the dearth of professional sports in Columbus can be a disappointment. For many, supporting their favorite pro team from here means half-heartedly watching games alone.

This is why Ran Flasterstein founded the Columbus Cavs, a Cleveland Cavaliers fan organization based in Columbus. Inspired by the amount of enthusiasm he saw from Cavs fans in Columbus after Cleveland defeated the Washington Wizards in the first round of last year’s NBA playoffs.,Flasterstein built a Web site and started organizing free viewing parties at local bars and restaurants.

Flasterstein said he wants to build a following in Columbus.

“I know there are Cavs fans here,” he said.

Flasterstein said he has received an immediate, positive response. The first viewing party attracted 23 other fans, the second, 50. For his third party Friday, he said he is hoping for even more.

“The response has been great. Once I can prove that Columbus Cavs is successful, I can do more,” he said.

Flasterstein said he has big plans for his organization. He started working with the Cavaliers themselves, attempting to collaborate on events. The team has told him they will be able to get him autographed memorabilia in February, which he will raffle off to Columbus Cavs members at an event. In addition, he is looking into getting a group discount on tickets to Cavalier home games, and possibly chartering a bus to bring members to Cleveland.

The majority of people coming to the viewing parties are OSU students, Flasterstein said, which he does not mind at all.

“OSU fans are great sports fans,” he said.

Attending Cavaliers home games when he gets the chance, Flasterstein said the loudest cheers in Quicken Loans Arena come when Jim Tressel appears, doing a promotion on the scoreboard. The loudest boos come when opponents are shooting free throws, and they flash a Michigan “M” instead.

Flasterstein said he plans on having about five or six viewing parties during the season, and wants to have one for every away playoff game, while working on his goal of taking Columbus Cavs on the road, first to Cleveland and then possibly to Cavalier road games.

“I want Cavs fans,” he said. “I want to meet them as a fan. I want to watch the games with them, I want to talk Cavs with them.”

The Columbus Cavs Web site – columbuscavs.com – contains information about group events, Flasterstein’s take on recent Cavalier games, and forums for users to discuss Cavs-related issues. People who sign up can also choose to receive e-mail notices about upcoming activities.

The next viewing party will be Friday at Champps in the Lennox Town Center. Flasterstein said anyone and everyone who loves Cavalier basketball is welcome to come.

“They’re going to close off our own section,” Flasterstein said. “If you’re a Cavs fan, I’m looking forward to meeting you.”

Spencer Elliott can be reached at [email protected].