Why are students not supporting the ISU football team?
By Trever Fehrenbach
Published: Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Updated: Tuesday, November 2, 2010 23:11
During this current season of Sycamore football, the rampant negativity that clouded the program for so long has dissipated with each win.
With each step forward, the lingering skepticism has been eroded by praises for the strides these coaches and young men have made in order to bring back pride to Memorial Stadium.
The Sycamores are on the verge of mounting an amazing storybook comeback from the brink of obscurity. With a win over Northern Iowa on Saturday, ISU would take over first place in the Missouri Valley Conference, solidify a undefeated season at home (6-0) and sit two wins away from a Football Championship Subdivision playoff birth-which hasn't happened since 1984.
Now I ask, why are students not supporting this team?
Memorial Stadium is capable of seating 12,000 comfortably, yet the attendance hovers around 4,000 each week, and few students attend.
For the past three seasons, all I have ever heard is the negativity of unappreciative fans. I understand that the two unacceptable losing streaks demolished any chance of support, but this season is special. Each week, another record is broken and another win piles up in the stat column.
Again I ask you, why aren't students supporting this team?
This Sycamore team is turning the program around and not looking back. The offense is currently ninth in the FCS in scoring. Running back Darrius Gates is 2nd in the FCS for individual scoring. Linebacker Ben Obaseki is 9th in the FCS in sacks. Do I have to mention Ronnie Fouch is 14th in the nation in pass efficiency, or that ISU is scoring 35 points a game?
So I ask you, why aren't students supporting this team?
Need more incentive?
Running back Shakir Bell is one of the most exciting running backs I have ever seen play. Period. He is just a freshman, and when he touches the ball, there is no telling how far he will go or how quick he will get there. Just know he will put on a show when given the opportunity.
I am wondering, why aren't students supporting this team?
The Sycamore punter is a scary man --- yes, our punter, junior linebacker Santino Davis. Splitting time as linebacker and punter, Davis took over the punting job by game one, and not only is he kicking very well, he often gets a tackle. During the UC game in Cincinnati, he booted a short punt to UC's DJ Woods. He probably regretted taking that punt, considering Davis almost tackled him across the state line, putting Woods out of the game momentarily.
Again, why are students not supporting this team?
You are missing acrobatic catches by senior wide receiver Bryant Kent. You are missing junior tight end Alex Jones finally showing his true potential. You are missing junior receiver Justin Hilton torching the opposition with his deep threat ability. You are missing junior defensive tackle Rod Hardy and sophomore linebacker Aaron Archie punishing running backs.
You are missing winning football. You are missing singing our fight song with the team when the game is over. You are missing history.
Now I ask, will you support this team on Senior Night and root for the Sycamores on their way to first place?
It's not that much to ask for, so be there at 3:05 p.m. on Saturday and honor the seniors: running back Darrius Gates, offensive linemen Pat Burke and Josh Jellison, defensive linemen Milton Redwine, Jordan Scott and Nate Brown and wide receivers Bryant Kent and Larry Lacotti.
By Trever Fehrenbach
Published: Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Updated: Tuesday, November 2, 2010 23:11
During this current season of Sycamore football, the rampant negativity that clouded the program for so long has dissipated with each win.
With each step forward, the lingering skepticism has been eroded by praises for the strides these coaches and young men have made in order to bring back pride to Memorial Stadium.
The Sycamores are on the verge of mounting an amazing storybook comeback from the brink of obscurity. With a win over Northern Iowa on Saturday, ISU would take over first place in the Missouri Valley Conference, solidify a undefeated season at home (6-0) and sit two wins away from a Football Championship Subdivision playoff birth-which hasn't happened since 1984.
Now I ask, why are students not supporting this team?
Memorial Stadium is capable of seating 12,000 comfortably, yet the attendance hovers around 4,000 each week, and few students attend.
For the past three seasons, all I have ever heard is the negativity of unappreciative fans. I understand that the two unacceptable losing streaks demolished any chance of support, but this season is special. Each week, another record is broken and another win piles up in the stat column.
Again I ask you, why aren't students supporting this team?
This Sycamore team is turning the program around and not looking back. The offense is currently ninth in the FCS in scoring. Running back Darrius Gates is 2nd in the FCS for individual scoring. Linebacker Ben Obaseki is 9th in the FCS in sacks. Do I have to mention Ronnie Fouch is 14th in the nation in pass efficiency, or that ISU is scoring 35 points a game?
So I ask you, why aren't students supporting this team?
Need more incentive?
Running back Shakir Bell is one of the most exciting running backs I have ever seen play. Period. He is just a freshman, and when he touches the ball, there is no telling how far he will go or how quick he will get there. Just know he will put on a show when given the opportunity.
I am wondering, why aren't students supporting this team?
The Sycamore punter is a scary man --- yes, our punter, junior linebacker Santino Davis. Splitting time as linebacker and punter, Davis took over the punting job by game one, and not only is he kicking very well, he often gets a tackle. During the UC game in Cincinnati, he booted a short punt to UC's DJ Woods. He probably regretted taking that punt, considering Davis almost tackled him across the state line, putting Woods out of the game momentarily.
Again, why are students not supporting this team?
You are missing acrobatic catches by senior wide receiver Bryant Kent. You are missing junior tight end Alex Jones finally showing his true potential. You are missing junior receiver Justin Hilton torching the opposition with his deep threat ability. You are missing junior defensive tackle Rod Hardy and sophomore linebacker Aaron Archie punishing running backs.
You are missing winning football. You are missing singing our fight song with the team when the game is over. You are missing history.
Now I ask, will you support this team on Senior Night and root for the Sycamores on their way to first place?
It's not that much to ask for, so be there at 3:05 p.m. on Saturday and honor the seniors: running back Darrius Gates, offensive linemen Pat Burke and Josh Jellison, defensive linemen Milton Redwine, Jordan Scott and Nate Brown and wide receivers Bryant Kent and Larry Lacotti.