UAZip0510

It's always a sign that things are going well when people have to really look hard for things to complain about.

And SDSU made a commercial out of it

I'm not sure who the Rowdies took this from, but I found the origin in this story...pretty cool. http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/blogpos...on&id=39091

#NotAFanOfThis

I'm not trying to be an apologist for the team, but I don't think this is a fair statement. In six MAC games, the average margin of victory has been 11 points. Only the Can't game and last night were games they could have really lost.

Not of fan of the black jerseys (cliche to me at this point) but if it makes the players happy, I'm all for it.

I will definitely say I've heard far less of the "uncool" stuff this year and last, so I think that negative outside perception is starting to go away. The clique perception is one to keep an eye on - you never want people to feel like outsiders, even if it's not intentional. I do think the student section has improved as much as one could expect - now it's on UA to allow the student impact to grow (location, location, location). Keep up the good work in promoting Zips athletics!

I'd guess the more "die hard" ones probably form friendships outside of games as well, which can cause others to feel not included although not intentional. It happens within every group. Hopefully students aren't really yelling at others though, that'd turn off student involvement big time. Have you witnessed that at all headavi?

Excellent points. I do want to point out that I do not want to eliminate the Rowdies group...I'd like them to become a part of a bigger, named student section located in the lower seats behind the visitors bench. Eliminating the Rowdies altogether would be eliminating die-hards, which would be foolish to do.

Thank you for being able to differentiate what I've heard and shared and what I personally believe. Keep up the good work in transforming the student section.

I appreciate that and, again, the "AK-Nerdy" thing isn't my opinion...I get mad when I hear it. I do think perception of an organization plays BIG time into what college students get involved in, which is why I brought up hearing that as a possible factor in all of this. I have nothing but love for my fellow UA fans.

Read the first line Dave...not my opinion. It's silly, but many college kids judge things based on some pretty stupid/shallow stuff.

Side note - ZachTheZip, Root4Roo - judging by your responses, I'm guessing your Rowdies. I truly hope you can differentiate my opinion (that you are a great fan group but that we just need to fine tune some things - a section name, location, marketing, etc) and the opinions of others that I've heard and shared here today (the not-so-nice things). I want UA basketball to "Think Bigger", and that includes our student section. To do so, we need to analyze everything.

I'm glad we can have an honest discussion about this. The student section isn't having the impact it has the capability of having and analyzing all aspects of it is the only way to find ways to improve. Hopefully the Rowdies/UA are open to constructive criticism and new ideas moving forward.

I think a large part in this is location. If you make noise when a player shoots a free throw and he misses, you get even louder for the 2nd one. Why? Results. It's hard to feel like you're having an impact on the opposition from the bleachers. Give the students the lower section behind the visitors bench and you'll finally see a true home court advantage.

Before I share this, I want to clearly point out that these are not MY opinions. Just what I've heard from others. I've heard the "AK-Nerdies", "AK-Rejects", and a few things far meaner than that. As wrong as is it is to judge people you do not know personally, people still do it, and they do it to the Rowdies. Look at Greek organizations on campus - there are the "cool" fraternities, the "smart" fraternities, etc. Fair or not, these groups are judged and a perception is created for them. The perception of the AK-Rowdies, on and off campus, is that they are great fans, but not a "cool" group, which is why I think the average UA student decides to sit on their own or just stay home.

Can't games have never been a problem for the Rowdies or the previously unnamed student sections of the past. It's the non-Can't games that are, as you point out, the real issue.

I can certainly understand that. I'm sure it's tough to see your son criticized while putting up superb numbers. I just remember what I thought when Gloria James used to taunt opposing fans after St. V wins and don't want that for you/Zeke. Make sure he gets plenty of rest, we need the big man 100%!

Agreed. I guess we can analyze the coaches, players, AD, GA's, etc but not the Rowdies. The best organizations, professional or non, are willing to look in the mirror to better themselves.

I love supporting your son, but why not just let the stats speak on their own?

You're redirecting the argument. When did I say they weren't classy? The discussion is about why, other than the smaller, core Rowdy group, UA students don't show up to non-Can't games. But apparently that's because of the team and the coaches, correct?

Self-imposed exile? I'm not a student, haven't been for a long time. I take no personal issue with anyone in the group. I'm sure they're all good people. This is a discussion of why there is a lack of student support and I'm offering my personal opinion based on what I've seen and heard. I guess it's ok for you to spew BS about the assistant coaches not being good enough but the Rowdies are off limits. I hope others are willing to self-reflect on why the student section is failing in non-Can't games...I sure hate seeing empty seats doen there.

It's not that they don't like them because of their impact on a game...I'll leave it at that.

Akron actually has some pretty damn good assistants, especially in terms of recruiting.

Just pointing out what others are too nice to say. Trust me, I hear it from my friends from other MAC schools all of the time. What I'm saying is far nicer than what they do.