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Basketball fans need enthusiasm

TO THE DAILY:

In the past couple of months I have read a couple of letters dealing with the problems of being a basketball fan for the University. I have to agree with them, the University could take steps to not only make the games more enjoyable for the student fans, but increase the game's popularity to an all time high.

First and foremost, get rid of the alumni and older people sitting in the blue section on the opposite side from where the benches are located. Replace them with students. This will accomplish two things. One, students, who I agree are the "real" fans, would get better seating. Secondly, the team would get a boost from the greater noise level. The Duke game could be seen as a good example of what I mean. During the game the crowd was one of the loudest I have ever heard, and they kept it up for most of the game. Still, halfway through the second half I saw a family of four leave its seats, which were only two rows from the court. If students were allowed to sit in those seats they would most probably not leave, unless another Purdue type game occurred. When I talk to friends from other power houses of college basketball they explain that fans come out of their games with busted eardrums from all the screaming. Another interesting point is that a school like Temple may be an easy target on the road -- they seem invincible at home and that is due to the crowd.

Finally, take a look at the home conference record so far for Michigan this season. The games they won were on days that the crowd helped boost them to victory. On the losing days, the crowds were not really loud or had it together. This means two things: Either the University should take the initiative and change things or the fans are not good enough.

The later I have to doubt after seeing Moonlight Jam and the game against Duke.

JOSE ALVAREZ

ENGINEERING FIRST-YEAR STUDENT