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Date Posted: Fri, September 10 2004, 22:12:06
Author: UTA alum
Subject: Dear Journal:
In reply to: UTA alum 's message, "Re: Gameday - Women's Volleyball Tournament" on Fri, September 10 2004, 13:57:42

I just came from the UTA v. Alabama game. I'm pretty disappointed. Aside from the players and the cheerleaders, I was only one of three people there wearing UTA apparrel.

I really felt bad for our team, our cheerleaders and our school. There were more people in attendance for Alabama than were for UTA. And they're three states away.

Our cheerleaders tried pretty hard early on to get what fans we did have to yell for the team, but there was no response. At one point, I even saw Sam Maverick, figuratively throw in the towel as he shucked the crowd. I felt kinda sad. I think we let down our team, I really feel that.

I after seeing the disappointment of our cheerleaders, I was discouraged. At the Baylor game, I was loud. I had people to be loud with. My friends this time were as silent and still as rocks.

In the fourth game, I actually thought I could do something about it. I left my friends and said that I may or may not return. I went to the opposite end of the bleachers looking for a familiar face. It's Friday night and like usual, UTA Athletics has been forgotten. Of course, it could also be that no one had "top of mind" to begin with. Thank Kmak for that.

But I went to the other side. I saw several girls from the basketball team. One of them was wearing their UTA basketball shirt. I saw a group of really tall fellas. I thought they could be basketball also. This gave me some hope, but it didn't last long.

I sat at the top of the bleachers and began to cheer. I was to embarrased to yell in front of my own friends. I don't think they would have understood. Why are most people I know too complacent?

Maybe it's just me. Maybe it's because we had a winning football program in high school and I just expect to see fans cheering on the home team. Maybe it's because I was in the Army and probably have a lot more pride than most. I think that's something the Army always gives you more of, even when you've got enough.

Anyhow, I yelled U-T-A (a lot). I stomped. I felt some other people stomping with me, but I couldn't see who. What I could see is the group of students in front of me staring, snickering and even laughing.

I don't feel bad for myself, I feel bad for them. Many of them were athletes, and I can only predict what they have to look forward to.

There was an article in The 'Horn last Friday after the Baylor game. I raed how excited the girls sounded about the attendance of that game and how happy they were to hear the cheers and support. I think everybody needs support. I asked the girl in the bleachers next to me if she could help. I said "it's pretty lame having to yell all by yourself". I got nothing. Her grin somehow explained that she understood, but didn't feel capable of doing anything to help me.

She, like the rest of our student body, needs a CATALYST. Something to inspire them and spark a flame.

Kmak, I am asking you once again. Do Something. Anything. Don't let the Shorthorn be your only resource and don't count on them to get the word out for you.

Carlon, if Kmak needs money, then make sure he gets it. What's it going to be like if our team makes it through the first round of the NCAA? Who will be there to support them. That must be grown from the roots. But it is going to take some nurturing and cultivating and that's going to take a budget and some energy. Isn't that something UTA has failed to do, time and time again?

Where are all the students? The volleyball game was at 7, so they're obviously not missing the party yet. Why aren't they here. I see one group of students wearing their greek letters, they wave at the kid standing next to Kmak.It's possible they are from the same frat as him. I think it's the Delta Upsilon. I see Aris Freeman. He's a DU also, and he's on the court. Are there no other fraternities represented in the fans, or maybe thing haven't change from when we DID have a football team. They still throw parties on gamenight.

And they still think of themselves and their frat or soroity befor theythink of UTA. Odd though, even the church groups do it too. I drove past the Cornerstone community last year on our way to the Homecoming game. We were curious, so we stopped just to see what was going on.

Nothing. Not a doggone thing. Just hanging out.

The church groups, like the fraternities probably know that if it weren't for God, UTA wouldn't be here, right. So that arguement is solved.

But if it weren't for UTA, their little organization and the friends they have now would not be with them. Isn't it time we show some respect to both. I love my God, of course. And I have my faith.

But it's like when God talked to Moses and Aaron. He could see that no matter how many great things he was doing for them (you know, freeing them from slavery) they didn't appreciate it.

UTA gave these students the opportunity to meet the people they are friends with now and have the nice big house they live in now and the opportunity to do right and graduate from college, yet noone sees that.

I don't think this is a problem that any slick advertising campaign can fix. It will take a lot of time and energy and yes, money.

I'm glad to see Spaniolo at the games and at intramurals, he's proactive. We need 10,00 Spaniolos. People in leadership who are willing to go above and beyond the call.
You'll do what noone else is willing to do. And that means we have at least one thing in common.

mwr

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