The Sports Guy
Cast behind the shadows of the Men’s basketball phenomenal season is the GC&SU Women’s Basketball team. The Lady Bobcats, currently 9-8 in Peach Belt conference play, have had some exciting wins this season but struggle in home attendance.
The average home attendance for the women is around 250, as opposed to the men who average around 850 people. I came to wonder why there is such a difference in attendance in the matter of two hours.
One theory that might explain the lack of attendance is that Men’s basketball is naturally more exciting. men’s basketball is faster, more physical and has the ever so popular slam-dunk. Brad Muller, assistant athletics director for public relations, supposes the excitement issue is a part of the attendance difference.
“Traditionally on the division two level Men’s Basketball is more exciting to watch,” Muller said. “Unless it is University of Connecticut versus Tennessee, not many people are going to come watch women’s basketball.”
Another theory many believe is the reason for the difference in attendance is that the time is inconvenient for the community and students. The Lady Bobcats play their games at 5:30 p.m. as opposed to the Bobcats who play at 7:30 p.m. At 5:30 most families are just sitting down to eat dinner and cannot make the game. The same goes for students.
“Part of the reason students don’t make the ladies games is that they have classes at 5:30,” sophomore Chris McCorkhill said. “I have class on Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:30 but I try to come whenever I can.”
The last explanation I could find to clarify this problem is that female students are once again the X-factor.
“Girls follow guys to athletic events,” Women’s Head Coach John Carrick said. “If girls wised up and went to the women’s games, the guys would follow.”
There is not much hope to solve the problem. The time will not change because visiting teams need to travel at night and the media has deadlines to meet. Moreover, the appeal of Men’s Basketball will always be higher than the Women’s.
Students have the power in changing this problem. I encourage all students to take a stand and head out to the Centennial Center this Saturday to see the Lady Bobcats play NGC&SU at 5:30 p.m.
Respond to this column at colonnadeletters@gcsu.edu
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Feb 17 2006. Filed under Sports.
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