As those Johnny fans who have traveled to tournaments can attest, some schools have amazing alumni fan bases that makes college sports stand out in a way pro sports cannot.
In Charleston in 2023, Dayton fans were just great. They showed up in big numbers, cheered loudly, and warmly engaged opponents.
Thursday at the BET, we sat in empty open seats that were a few rows below our assigned seats. When a group of 30-something Villanova fans arrived lster and we were in their seats, one guy in the group warmly said, "Stay there! There are enough open seats in this row." At games end we engaged them and thanked him. Coincidentally It turned out he was a classmate and friend of my daughter who is still in touch. Great fans and people.
As we turned to leave the Garden last night, a small group of Marquette alumni in the row behind us congratulated us on the win. One young man said, "Of course I wanted Marquette to win this tournament, but if we couldn't I want St Johns to win. You've waited a long time for this. Good luck"
It turns out two of them were former student team managers for Marquette. We told them they have a great coach in Shaka, and he replied, "But you have a better coach. Maybe the best coach around. Georgetown fans lament that they didn't get Pitino."
These encounters make the BET special, make the NCAA in person games special, and college basketball amazing. I forget final scores, but we all remember schools with great fans. Marquette is one.
It reminds me that whenever I wear SJU gear, especially at games, but anywhere I go, to be a good ambassador for our school. As a group it makes us stand out in ways the school's academic ranking never will.
In Charleston in 2023, Dayton fans were just great. They showed up in big numbers, cheered loudly, and warmly engaged opponents.
Thursday at the BET, we sat in empty open seats that were a few rows below our assigned seats. When a group of 30-something Villanova fans arrived lster and we were in their seats, one guy in the group warmly said, "Stay there! There are enough open seats in this row." At games end we engaged them and thanked him. Coincidentally It turned out he was a classmate and friend of my daughter who is still in touch. Great fans and people.
As we turned to leave the Garden last night, a small group of Marquette alumni in the row behind us congratulated us on the win. One young man said, "Of course I wanted Marquette to win this tournament, but if we couldn't I want St Johns to win. You've waited a long time for this. Good luck"
It turns out two of them were former student team managers for Marquette. We told them they have a great coach in Shaka, and he replied, "But you have a better coach. Maybe the best coach around. Georgetown fans lament that they didn't get Pitino."
These encounters make the BET special, make the NCAA in person games special, and college basketball amazing. I forget final scores, but we all remember schools with great fans. Marquette is one.
It reminds me that whenever I wear SJU gear, especially at games, but anywhere I go, to be a good ambassador for our school. As a group it makes us stand out in ways the school's academic ranking never will.