When I think of the ETSU basketball team I think back to my freshman year, when the “arena” where the Bucs play was packed with smack-talking college students taking pride in the Buccaneer basketball program. I remember my trip all the way to Charleston with 20-plus others going to watch the Bucs play in the Southern Conference Tournament championship, taking the victory and going on to the Big Dance.
But now when I think of the Bucs, I think of the empty stands and real lack of pride many have in our fantastic basketball program.
Some could blame the switch to the Atlantic Sun Conference for this lack of attendance. Others may think we just aren’t as good as we once were. Then there are definitely those who just don’t care. But I question whether some athletic department staff members even care if students come.
I attended the first game of the year Saturday against Mars Hill, who we dominated. Although I knew the win was in the bag, I was still extremely disappointed .
During the break at half-time, I was pulled aside by someone working for the athletic department, and told that the “attitude” of someone I was with was not necessary, and that I should relay this message to him.
I did not have to relay the message, because the person in question was coming up behind me and was about to be spoken to as well.
Apparently while walking to the student section, my friend had flashed his card to the security check-point with too much attitude.
We then received five-minute lecture on the proper fashion in which to flash your ID. Apparently they have this problem with people like “us” all the time. “You guys get to boozin’ before the games and get too big for your britches.”
I know . I was just as disappointed to hear it. A college student having a few beers before an athletic event – what is this world coming to?
If this lecture was deserved by any means, I would not be writing this. But the fact of the matter is that it was not. It was completely uncalled for. Not a single person in our group was misbehaving, unless you consider clapping and making noise for the Bucs to be a bad thing.
What upsets me the most is that this is not the first time something like this has happened. Last year at a game another staff member, I’ll call him Mr. Sweatervest for these purposes, told a group of students they were not allowed to say “sucks.” It’s hard not to laugh thinking of an adult being slapped on the wrist for saying “sucks.”
I believe fans should practice good sportsmanship at events, watch their behavior, and not use profanity. But something is wrong if this gentleman’s biggest concern is some harmless heckling.
Students should come to games to have fun and take pride in their university. They should not have to worry about someone talking down to them about their attitude.
ETSU should worry less about the people in the stands, and more about getting people to fill the stands. I would really hate to see basketball go the way of the football program.

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