‘Tens of thousands of people have traveled to the St. John Fisher College campus to take in a day of training camp. Some had basic, transparent reasons. They support the Bills. They’re fascinated by quarterback Doug Flutie. They want potentially valuable autographs. It’s an enjoyable summer escape for children. But a football training camp, sociologists and sports experts suggest, draws on potent aspects of American culture and personal psychology — the worship of athletes, an attraction to the grotesque, gambling and something called "BIRGing." "BIRG" is an acronym created by social psychologists to describe an ego-supporting act — "basking in reflective glory." "BIRGing is a very natural phenomenon," said Merrill Melnick, professor of physical education and sport at the State University College at Brockport. "We all want to identify with greatness, but we can’t all be great. The next best game in town is to stand in the shadow of the great."’