2008 Woodie Awards
Hello, fans?
By: Grant Bissell
Issue date: 11/3/05 Section: Sports
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Throughout the course of this semester, I have covered numerous men's and women's soccer games, as well as volleyball games. I've noticed these three teams have something in common. They are all surprisingly good and they all have next to no fan support.
A lack of fan support can affect the psychological state of a team and the way it performs. The way Webster teams have overcome their lack of supporters is nothing short of amazing to me. There should be a buzz on campus about their accomplishments this season, but there isn't.
While covering games, I'll occasionally survey the fans. During games at Soccer Park in Fenton, a crowd of nearly 70 consists mainly of the families of the Webster athletes. If I look closely, I can pick out a Webster student here and there who is genuinely interested in the game and wishes to offer support for their team. These proud Gorlok fans, however, are few and far between.
Volleyball games draw a few more spectators than soccer games overall, but still lack a big turnout. While student presence is more visible, those who attend seem more interested in socializing rather than what's happening on the court.
While crowds of 70 at soccer games and 95 at volleyball games may seem fairly sizable, consider that these numbers also include the visiting fans who sometimes represent nearly half of those attending.
Sophomore broadcast journalism major Elizabeth Eisele said she thinks a major reason for the lack of fan support at home games is because most teams don't play on campus.
"The baseball team plays in Sauget and the soccer team plays in Fenton," Eisele said. "These places aren't convenient to students who are on campus and want to watch a game."
Athletic Director Tom Hart counters this argument by pointing out that attendance at volleyball and basketball games in Grant Gymnasium on campus also is low.
Eisele made note of the large bulletin board in the University Center titled "Webster Athletics" that has been void of content since last semester. She suggested updating the board might be a good place to start spreading the word.
Steps need to be taken in order to motivate students to attend Webster sporting events and support their outstanding teams. Perhaps starting a sports rivalry with another SLIAC school would be a step in the right direction.
The teams have done their part by winning on a routine basis. Now we, as Webster students, owe it to our friends and classmates to show support for them on the field as they enter SLIAC tournament play.