I've got spirit, how 'bout you?

By Chris Furnari

The men's basketball team scored over 100 points for the first time since 1993 on Monday night, and barely any students were there to watch.

Before every home game, Athletic Director Dan Coonan asks me, "So, you think students are coming to the game tonight?"

My response is almost always the same: I glance over toward the Ruff Rider cheering section, look back at Dan and say, "I think they will slowly filter in."

This is undoubtedly one of my least favorite parts about attending Bronco basketball games. My second least favorite part is listening to our PA announcer introduce "the sixth man, the team behind the team -- the Ruff Rider cheering section."

This would be a great addition to the game-day activities if students were actually there before tip-off to enjoy all of the new things our athletic department is doing to boost school spirit.

The problem is that only a handful of students actually get excited about going to the games. There are a few students sitting in the front row with Australian flags, representing one of my favorite new additions to the team, Ben Dowdell. A couple students paint their faces and about 30 students show up to cheer before tip-off.

In my opinion, the athletic department is doing a great job of trying to improve the game-day operations.

The cheerleaders now line up in front of the locker room when our team first enters the arena. "Zombie Nation" blares over the speakers. The PA announcer does an incredible job of introducing the players, and the Bronco pep band performs the fight song.

The only problem is that nobody is there to experience the atmosphere.

If you go to You Tube and type in "Zombie Nation, Gonzaga," a host of videos will come up that show Bulldog fans jumping up and down and chanting the famous "Oh-Oh-Oh-Oh-Oh-Ohâ?¦" while both teams warm up.

The one thing I know is that come Feb. 2, when we take on Gonzaga, students will be lining up outside Leavey hours before to ensure they have a seat in the stands. Then come Feb. 4, when we take on Portland at home, the turnout will be significantly less.

This must change. I say we need more face paint, more clever signs and better cheers. I mean, come on, "S-C-U!"?

Do your homework, research the players and find ways to become a true sixth man.

I know it's hard when our Ruff Rider shirts have everyone feeling a little "gray," but can we at least try?

See you all before the game.