Fans...

[ShockerFever]

Maybe there woulda been more noise if there was something to cheer about. We were 1-6 in the Valley, on a 4-game losing streak, 2 starters out indefinitely, and rumors are swirling about our coach and another school. Not to mention the fact that whenever we had a chance to build on what little lead we had, we turned the ball over on cue and soon were ran out of the building with a 11-0 UNI run.

Hardly, the type of game/team that'll get people standing for the entire game.

At least people still show up (well, except half the student section.. ya speaking of bandwagoners.. ).

We're lucky to get 10,000 into that place during hard times. You should be thankful. As others have mentioned, ever check it out some of the other atmospheres/attendance of struggling basketball teams? You don't know what you got here at WSU. Talk about spoiled.

[The Mad Hatter]

There has been a lot said on this subject, but let me throw in my two cents. I believe that, while there can be minor gripes about other issues, there are only two things that can truly merit large scale criticism of any group of fans:

1. "Fans" who proclaim to support a team, but who do not show up to the games when things turn south. This applies most strongly to those who already have tickets (i.e. season ticket holders), those who previously complained about lack of available tickets but now aren't picking up available ones, and those who have access to free tickets (i.e. students). There can certainly be legitimate reasons for missing games, but a general criticism of people who only use their tickets when times are good is valid.

2. "Fans" who attack the team when things go poorly. People who boo or shout insults at their student athletes deserve criticism. Losing hurts even more for the athlete than for the fan, so any fan that decides to pile on those athletes when times are bad as an outlet for their frustration is out of line.

Aside from these two categories, other criticisms are at a much more minor level. It is fine to want the fans to be louder, or to not leave early (I certainly feel that way as well), but such complaints must be considered minor so long as the people took the time to get out and support the team in the first place.

The only thing I was upset at last night was the large number of empty student seats. If you have free seats and it is the school you are attending, there is little excuse for a huge disparity in attendance between when the team is winning and losing. If one group shouldn't be bandwagon fans, it is the students. I am proud of those that do show up, because they do a fine job, but those that are only there for the good years baffle me.

[top20shock]

Re: Fans...

I have to say that our "fans" are the most pathetic fans I've ever seen. I know there isn't a lot to be happy about sometimes, but when there is a moment to be joyful about, the patrons of Koch arena seem dead. I looked around several times tonight when we cut it to five during the dwindling minutes of the game, going nuts myself, and noticed everyone sitting around, seemingly lifeless in their chairs. No wonder our Wranglers left, no wonder we don't have a football team. There is no market for either because Wichitans are fair weather, bandwagon, lifeless fans. Someone made a post about us becoming "the cubs of college basketball". Well, anyone who has been to a Cubs game knows that no matter what, Wrigley is rockin. I'm sorry, but I was disgusted. Can't wait for another baseball super regional when Wichitans finally decide to buy tickets when we're good. What a disgrace.

Just be quiet. Drama Queen.

[rockthechuck]

Just remember these statements 20-30 years from now after you have worked 10-12 hours, picked up and fed the kids, dropped one off at practice. These fans are still alot more involved than many across the nation. I don't think it is fair to expect them to match the student section, which by the way had a ton of empty seats last night.
By the way, there were still a number of people on the tunnel end who gave the team a very nice ovation as they headed to the locker room after the game, very classy!!

I thought the student section was pretty pathetic last night. In all honesty if you want to talk about bandwagon fans lets steer the conversation towards the students. It's amazing how many show up when the Shocks play well but as things start to take a nose dive many quit showing up. I don't think it is fair to point the blame in only one direction. And this is coming from a student.

[rockthechuck]

I just wish we could all get along and realize that people have different ways of enjoying a basketball game. Some are loud and really get into it while others just come to support a team they love. To me it's not all about everyones level of intensity because some people just don't have it in them to so excitement. Those of us who do should make it a point to just cheer that much louder and enjoy ourselves that much more. We should focus on the fact that we can put butts in the seats and not dwell on those who don't achieve your level of fanhood. Plus if we have the time to make it a point to look around and take note of those who appear to not be cheering, then maybe we need to make it a point to cheer a little harder ourselves.

[KBShocker]

Go compare out attendance during down years compared to other Valley or B12 schools during winning years. Just ask Turg -- he knows now but its too late.

[Snapshot9]

Just wait till next year, I am sure the FSU environment will be resurrected before the season ends.

[wxkid23]

Just remember these statements 20-30 years from now after you have worked 10-12 hours, picked up and fed the kids, dropped one off at practice. These fans are still alot more involved than many across the nation. I don't think it is fair to expect them to match the student section, which by the way had a ton of empty seats last night.
By the way, there were still a number of people on the tunnel end who gave the team a very nice ovation as they headed to the locker room after the game, very classy!!

I thought the student section was pretty pathetic last night. In all honesty if you want to talk about bandwagon fans lets steer the conversation towards the students. It's amazing how many show up when the Shocks play well but as things start to take a nose dive many quit showing up. I don't think it is fair to point the blame in only one direction. And this is coming from a student.

Exactly.... many empty seats by the students last night.

[RoyalShock]

I just wish we could all get along and realize that people have different ways of enjoying a basketball game. Some are loud and really get into it while others just come to support a team they love. To me it's not all about everyones level of intensity because some people just don't have it in them to so excitement. Those of us who do should make it a point to just cheer that much louder and enjoy ourselves that much more. We should focus on the fact that we can put butts in the seats and not dwell on those who don't achieve your level of fanhood. Plus if we have the time to make it a point to look around and take note of those who appear to not be cheering, then maybe we need to make it a point to cheer a little harder ourselves.

That right there is where we end up everytime this topic surfaces.

Excellent post!

[GoShox117]

I just wish we could all get along and realize that people have different ways of enjoying a basketball game. Some are loud and really get into it while others just come to support a team they love. To me it's not all about everyones level of intensity because some people just don't have it in them to so excitement. Those of us who do should make it a point to just cheer that much louder and enjoy ourselves that much more. We should focus on the fact that we can put butts in the seats and not dwell on those who don't achieve your level of fanhood. Plus if we have the time to make it a point to look around and take note of those who appear to not be cheering, then maybe we need to make it a point to cheer a little harder ourselves.

I can dig that I suppose... I just wish more of the fans in Wichita showed a little more excitement.

[C0|dB|00ded]

I just wish we could all get along and realize that people have different ways of enjoying a basketball game. Some are loud and really get into it while others just come to support a team they love. To me it's not all about everyones level of intensity because some people just don't have it in them to so excitement. Those of us who do should make it a point to just cheer that much louder and enjoy ourselves that much more. We should focus on the fact that we can put butts in the seats and not dwell on those who don't achieve your level of fanhood. Plus if we have the time to make it a point to look around and take note of those who appear to not be cheering, then maybe we need to make it a point to cheer a little harder ourselves.

I can dig that I suppose... I just wish more of the fans in Wichita showed a little more excitement.

The fans in Koch Arena are some of the greatest fans on earth. You have no clue what you are talking about. Two years removed from a Sweet 16 to the bottom of a mid-major conference like the Valley is the perfect recipe for fan apathy. What you hear in the arena is the sound of a fanbase that is totally stunned by our current situation. People all over Wichita (including me) are asking ourselves how in the hell did we get to where we are now with the type of program and leadership we have.


T


...8)

[vbird53]

You folks critical of WSU fans really need to attend games in other venues. A lot of other games in other venues.

Also, take a gander at some attendance numbers in box scores.

and compare those attendance numbers to max capacity at those venues.

[RoyalShock]

I just wish we could all get along and realize that people have different ways of enjoying a basketball game. Some are loud and really get into it while others just come to support a team they love. To me it's not all about everyones level of intensity because some people just don't have it in them to so excitement. Those of us who do should make it a point to just cheer that much louder and enjoy ourselves that much more. We should focus on the fact that we can put butts in the seats and not dwell on those who don't achieve your level of fanhood. Plus if we have the time to make it a point to look around and take note of those who appear to not be cheering, then maybe we need to make it a point to cheer a little harder ourselves.

I can dig that I suppose... I just wish more of the fans in Wichita showed a little more excitement.

You're not alone. But it's not confined to Wichita. If you watch college b-ball on TV, you'll notice the same thing if you look close enough. Venues that pack in a lot of students will seem to be much louder, and they are. But from what I've heard from fans of a lot of teams is that outside of the students, the other attendees aren't much different than what you find in Koch Arena. Heck, I've heard KU fans for years complain of the "wine and cheese" crowd at their games.

It's just the nature of the beast. And based on the many futile discussions we've had here over the years, it's nothing any of us can change.

[Shirley Schmidt]

But from what I've heard from fans of a lot of teams is that outside of the students, the other attendees aren't much different than what you find in Koch Arena.

Absolutely correct and speaking of bandwagon fans throw the students on there as part of that group. In the 90’s you could have fired a shotgun into the student section and not hit anyone.

Koch is no different than anywhere else.

[Shocktoberfest]

I usually don't respond to threads like this because someone invariably posts what I am thinking quite nicely.

The spoiled kiddos that are ragging on our fanbase need a little perspective. Thanks for the supportive comments from those of you who understand where the program has come from.

We have a very loyal group of people that will never give up on the Shox. Period. I expect dissappointment from people. It is very frustrating to watch what's going on.

I hate watching people get up an leave, but that is the nature of some fans. Crap, I remember a game 3 or 4 years ago that we tied and heading into overtime watched probably 1500 people bust to their cars.

The only gripe I have of our crowd last night is the ahole down from me yelling at HCGM at the end of the game to go back to South Carolina. Totally unacceptable. And he just may. I guarantee that you don't want that. This abomination is not on him. I am glad he is here.

Hang in there faithful.

Oh, and by the way, if the students are so supportive, what's up with the 500 empty seats in the student section last night?