By Stephen Cooney
Since Nick Bond infuriated the Lions’ Den, it seems as if they have really improved as a student section. Less empty seats, organized chants, planned actions and a new vigor that always seems to come from a challenge. The entire campus has been swirling with this newfound energy and the team has benefited from the energy of the crowd.
As the team travels to Richmond for the CAA championship tournament they can only benefit from continued support. Campus administration has jumped on this notion and decided to help send members of the student section to the tournament. For $100.00 any student can purchase a ticket that will cover the price of travel, hotel accommodations and entry into the game. If the team loses in the first round every student will receive a $50.00 refund.
Unfortunately, there was not a huge turnout for the bus. I could take the easy road here and complain about how students have decided to skip out on the game because of the long travel and the lack of home court advantage, but I do not believe that is the case.
Traveling to Richmond takes almost 7 hours barring traffic and it becomes nearly impossible for a student to make it in time for the game if they stay for class. Skipping class on the other hand is frowned upon and I doubt teachers would allow students to use a basketball game as an excused absence. This can be a problem.
There is a solution to the problem. Students who ride the bus and return with their ticket stub should be allowed an excused absence from class. This would allow for students to travel to the game and not have to worry about missing school. This may not be an option for this week’s game but it should really be considered for the future and also if the team qualifies for the NCAA or the NIT tournaments.