As Howard University students leave for home, the athletic department, under the helm of Athletic Director Dwight Datcher, continues to push forward with their attempts to raise attendance at sporting events on campus.
According to Datcher, attendance this past year was stellar, with specific reference to the men’s basketball games against Hampton and Oregon State University and also the football games throughout their season.
“The attendance at the men’s basketball games was super,” Datcher said. “Their wins dictated the crowds. It was packed for the Oregon State and Hampton games.”
Although the attendance for the football and men’s basketball games never caused much concern for the athletic department, the same cannot be said for most of the other teams.
“There is no one there for the women’s basketball games,” said Krisoa Brash, a junior political science major and vice president of Mecca Mob which is a group of students designed to cheer for the Bison and heckle the opposing team.
“Their games are often earlier in the day, before the Men’s games so no one really comes out. I guess it’s more convenient for people to just go to the Men’s games,” Brash continued.
Datcher blames the lack of attendance for the women’s basketball games on more than just convenience.
“Attendance at women’s games is a societal problem,” Datcher said. “Although they had a rough season, people don’t come to support them because of our society.”
Datcher’s claims, although partially harsh to some, ring truthfully in the ears of realistic fans.
The Howard University softball team after going 9-4 in conference play, were granted the No. 1 seed at MEAC Championship in Ormond Beach, FL this weekend. Unfortunately, their outstanding season went virtually unnoticed by students on campus because few were in attendance at their games.
“It is a societal problem,” Brash said. “Basketball and football are the bigger sports. Maybe it has something to do with location. The softball team plays at Banneker [High School], across the street from campus. Fans should still go support them though.”
Whatever the problem may be, the Athletic Department will continue to promote sporting events by advertising in the Hilltop and dorms across campus. Fans can expect to see more themes for sports events, as the 60’s and Caribbean nights proved successful at the men’s basketball games.
“I think it was successful when they involved more organizations,” Brash said. “However, I think the organizations should be required to attend both the men’s and women’s games. The [athletic department] should put things in place for more attendance at women’s sporting events.”
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