Where are all the blue and orange?

Boise State University athletics prides itself on its wonderful, die-hard, faithful fans. It has been dubbed – Bronco Nation.

But with all this support for the footballers it still seems like something is missing from ‘Bronco Nation.” I ask the question, do the BSU enthusiasts only come out to show their support for the men on the gridiron? Apparently so.

This past weekend the Bronco men’s and women’s basketball teams opened up their regular seasons with a trio of home games. Needless to say, they put on quite a show. What was even more impressive at the games this weekend, though, was the number of BSU fans in attendance. Not.

The women drew just a little more 1,000 fans, while the men had about 4,500.

The lady Broncos won the Western Athletic Conference title last season, had one of its best seasons ever and made an appearance to the NCAA tournament last season. Not to mention, it showcases an incredible roster that should be even stronger next season. Yet the team seems to remain one of BSU’s best-kept secrets. What gives?

If you’re going to give the age-old excuse that “it’s women’s basketball, who cares,” try again. Yes, it might not be as fast-paced as the men and you probably won’t see any dunks in the near future, but they do bring intensity and a lot of energy onto the court each game. Plus, these girls know how to win.

Now going back to the men. They drew a bigger crowd than the women’s games, but not by much. Yes, Tuesday’s outing vs. No. 9 Washington State did bring some attendance, but that doesn’t make up for years of lost fans.

BSU men’s basketball is exciting to watch and the team has quality players.

To say the least, the men’s team isn’t athletically inept, if fact senior Reggie Larry was just named WAC player of the week after his 20 point, 10 rebound outing Friday night. So why aren’t fans showing up?

Yes, the men’s team hasn’t experienced the recent success that the women’s team has, but let’s not forget the appearance the team made a while back to the NIT tournament. Also a few years ago it was one game away from reaching the NCAA tournament.

The Bronco men can be very unpredictable, but in a good way. You are never at a loss when you go watch them play.

So go support the basketball teams.

I find it unbelievable that in a community of so-called BSU supporters, only a select few decide to show up at the arena to watch and cheer on some of the university’s quality teams and student-athletes.

MARY ALBL
Sports Writer

Related Posts:

1. Orange Outbreak:
2. Blue/Orange out revamped
3. Blue-Orange scrimmage wraps up Bronco spring season
4. Blue and Orange Game
5. The color of justice is not orange and blue