It is very evident that UD students love their sports whether it be at the intramural, club or varsity level. A perfect example would be the support shown to the men's basketball team. Our attendance ranks 23rd in the nation averaging 12,422 fans per game. For a medium sized community and a school with approximately 6,600 undergraduates, this is very impressive considering the number of schools that participate in Division I basketball. We should be very proud of the loyal fan base shown over the years for our basketball team.

An essential and rowdy (in the words of Junior Jon Grodecki) part of UD Arena is the student section. Consistently draped in red or blue T-shirts with the occasional face paint and 'Sandstorm' half-time dances, the 'Red Scare' brings the environment to a higher level. Whether it be arm waving to distract the opponents free-throw shot or starting the 'bounce' following a Charles Little tomahawk, we show up with enthusiasm and UD pride every game.

That being said, the induction of Spirit Points to the basketball ticket system is extremely flawed and unnecessary. To start, in issue 7 of Flyer News, SGA President Patrick O'Grady said: 'SGA understands the importance and value of basketball tickets and we are happy to implement a system with Red Scare which gives the best fans the best choice of seats.'

With all due respect, he is making an unfair assumption as to who the best fans are on campus. Take Junior Jon Grodecki as an example. Jon is a loyal UD basketball fan who has waited in the cold many nights to sit in the front row to cheer on the team. He encompasses loyalty, passion and of course, rowdiness. Jon though isn't particularly interested in the game of soccer. Thus, he chooses not to attend games only because of his lack of interest in soccer, not his lack of UD pride.

With the new system, Jon will be punished because other students who enjoy soccer will receive better basketball tickets than him. Does this make them better basketball fans and give them the right to have better seats? I'm afraid not.

In addition, what about a student who will walk into a soccer or softball game get his or her card swiped and quickly walk out? What kind of UD spirit are these students showing? Is there any way to subtract Spirit Points for students who abuse the system? How will the rules be enforced? This is an ideal example exposing the vulnerability of Spirit Points.

Don't get me wrong, I fully support all UD varsity and club athletics. But I don't think that going to a variety of other games will make anyone more deserving of basketball tickets. These students may just have interest in more sports than another student. And with all due respect, shouldn't each team or the athletic department be responsible for promoting and gaining fan support for these team's games?

Finally, let's all remember we are in college where students clearly don't live the healthiest of lifestyles, no matter where you go to school. Sure sitting out in the cold isn't beneficial to anyone's well-being, but it sure shows dedication to the basketball program, doesn't it? Groups of students willing to bear the cold with blankets and cheap foldable chairs are what college is all about. If you don't believe me, ask Duke students who named an entire part of campus Krzyzewskiville after Coach Mike Krzyzewski for those who camp out for weeks in order to get good seats for games.

According to Junior Duke student Adam Langley, 'There have never been any acts of violence or misbehavior during the camp-outs which can last as long as six weeks.'

The previous article mentioned kids 'cutting' other kids in line. That is a true and unfortunate fact. An easy way to combat the problem would be to have an athletic department intern or employee work from midnight to 8:00a.m. when the tickets are distributed. Their job would be to write down the first 25 groups and each hour take an hourly roll call. If anyone wasn't present at the time their name was called, their name would be taken off the list immediately.

The new system simply put is corrupt. It will not put the best basketball fans in the best seats. And that's just not right. Go Flyers.

Andrew Formentini
Junior
Sports Management and Spanish