Imagine 4,000 passionate fans screaming their lungs out, cheering on the NSU men’s basketball team. Are you having difficulty picturing this scene? Well, that’s no surprise considering the highest attendance for a home basketball game this year was 708. Oh, and that was our homecoming game. So, I ask the NSU community: Where is the school spirit? Where is the love for our athletes?
I’ve heard just about every excuse when it comes to the lack of school spirit: NSU doesn’t have a football team; we are only Division II, blah, blah, blah. Guys, cry me a river. Instead of looking at the glass half empty, let’s take a look at it half full. It’s time for us to appreciate what’s right in front of our eyes.
Who doesn’t love star players, right? NSU is home to several star athletes. Stephanie Sarosi, senior center, was selected as Women’s Division II Bulletin Preseason All-American. She scored six points in 13 minutes in a game last year. Abbie Tepe, senior guard, started in all 28 games last year. She leads the team in points, assists and steals. Alex Gynes, senior forward/guard, was named the 2010 NSU Male Athlete of the Year. He averaged 12.7 points per game last year, and started in 20 of the 27 games played. John Brooks, senior guard, averaged 10.1 points per game last year and started in all 28 games played. Sandra Changkija, senior golfer, placed first in two of the four tournaments she participated in last year.
Speaking of stars, how about the entire NSU Rowing team? I guarantee you will not find a group of individuals who are more committed than they are. Waking up to attend practice at 5 a.m. everyday while balancing their schoolwork is no easy task, and they deserve all the respect and recognition in the world.
If you want winners, NSU has that as well. The women’s golf team has won back-to-back national championships. Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams currently have winning records. The baseball and softball teams finished with winning records last year, and their seasons are just getting started.
When it comes to NSU athletics, there is so much to be proud of and to be excited about. Let’s display the same effort our athletes give on a daily basis by attending their games and giving them the support they deserve. I look forward to seeing you at the next athletic event.
