EDITORIAL: Comeback season fires up students, fans
Central Michigan University sports fans have two teams they can rally behind this semester.
On Saturday, 4,041 fans made up the second-largest men's basketball crowd in McGuirk Arena's history, many of whom braved harsh winter conditions out of love for both CMU basketball teams — the women lost in a heartbreaking 74-72 game against Akron.
This tremendous show of support showcases that CMU Athletics has always had the potential to engage the student body. The women's basketball team has consistently been recognized as one of the top teams in the Mid-American Conference, while the men's team is now statistically among the nation's elite teams.
We are proud of our men's basketball team and how far it's come.
So far this season, the men remain undefeated at home. The Chippewas have lost only four of the 18 games they have played thus far, proving that a few poor seasons cannot derail an entire college basketball program, or its coach.
Led by point guard Chris Fowler, forward John Simons and guard Braylon Rayson, the men have proved time and time again that they are a force to be reckoned with this season. Fowler is among the NCAA's Top Ten in the country in assists.
A game-changing start to the season has lit a fire in the hearts of fans hot enough to draw the largest crowd since 2010 to McGuirk Arena. Our basketball teams have given students a reason to fire up once again, and we should continue to support a rejuvenated winter sports culture.
Head Coach Keno Davis has made it a priority to connect with students and community members since his arrival to Mount Pleasant. It is evident in his comments to media that he believes a strong fan base is important in cultivating a successful team.
Davis went as far as saying a raucous home crowd can be a difference-maker in a few games and "can be the difference between being a nice team and being a team that's dancing in March."
We believe this year's squad has the potential to claim a conference crowd this spring.
CMU Athletics has scheduled several men's and women's basketball games as double-headers this season, promoting an inclusive atmosphere that ought to attract fans of both teams.
Sports fans have been given a second chance to channel their spirit in the men's and women's basketball teams. Not taking advantage of a group, indoor activity during the winter months that brings students and the community together in mutual celebration would be foolish.
If our student athletes can keep up this momentum, students and community members may have a new sport to call their favorite.
