Murray State University Athletics
Racer Fans Are The Key To MSU's Home-Court Advantage
12/11/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
New Murray State head coach Mick Cronin has the Racers playing exciting basketball and the Regional Special Events Center is rapidly becoming the place to be on game night in Murray. Fans are turning out in large numbers and the crowds have been enthusiastic, particularly the students.
I think it's just the beginning,” Cronin said. “When we have a home game, we want the RSEC to be the place to be because everyone's there. Whether you're a huge fan, a casual fan or just know someone who's a fan, when the Racers play at home, everyone goes.”
Before the home opener, Cronin and the athletic department worked hard to encourage students to come out and support the team. And the coach says he was thrilled with the response.
“I was very excited when I walked out for our opening game against Wagner and saw all the students there with their signs and the section full and Mick's Maniacs full,” Cronin said.
“But more importantly, it had our players fired up. Our fans have to realize the effect they have on our players. It gives them a sense of pride and puts a little extra hop in their step to have the RSEC filled with people who cheer when they make a good play. EW Dennison and his staff have really worked hard to market our basketball program, and the results are beginning to show.”
As the excitement continues to build, Cronin would like to see the crowd develop some traditional cheers, like standing up and putting their arms in the air when the Racers make a 3-point shot or making noise when the other team has the ball.
The students have already developed a tradition of their own. If the Racers are ahead late in the game they start chanting - Nate, Nate, Nate ? calling for the coach to put walk-on Nathan Akin in the game.
“I think it's great,” Cronin said. “A lot of the students identify with Nate because he's a non-scholarship guy.”
The bottom line though is for the students and fans in the community to identify with the team that represents them.
“We have to form a bond with our fans,” Cronin said. “I want them to take pride in our success.”
Up next, MSU hosts Chicago State at the Regional Special Events Center on Saturday at 8 p.m. CT in the Racers second game in the Pittsburgh Holiday Classic. Following the matchup with CSU, the Racers host regional rival Southern Illinois on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 7:15 p.m. at the RSEC.
