It has been said before and it will be said again: the Ichabod fan base does not travel well, or not at all.

The MIAA basketball tournament was this weekend, and for those of you who may not have heard, both the Ichabod and Lady Blues teams made appearances. While both teams may have gotten knocked out in the semi-finals they should still be commended for their efforts.

Now, it is understandable for there to be little to no students at the first game the Lady Blues played in the tourney. They faced a showdown with Missouri Western State at noon Thursday, hardly a time when students can be expected to turn out in high numbers. Yet the men tipped off their first game at 8:15 p.m. Friday, a time when only the most unfortunate of students would be tied-up with class or work.

Are there reasons for people not being there? Sure. Are they any good? Most likely not. After sailing through a WSGA election campaign season ripe with discussion on improving school spirit, it’s almost laughable to hear people wonder why spirit is low and how to fix it. Partially that is because we’ve been inundated with it for the past two weeks, but another is that people are trying to force Washburn to be spirited.

Now, Washburn having pride in itself is far from impossible. In fact, just three years ago the Bod Squad was one of the biggest groups on campus. Yet it would seem that the spirit of fandom has died from campus since then. Not to put a damper on those who are trying to reinvigorate the fan-presence in Washburn athletics, but you can’t force it on people. They have to want it. And it would seem right now that for some unknown, nebulous reason, students just don’t want to show spirit.

In all fairness, the tournament was held in Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo., which is a fair drive from Topeka, and a spirit bus wasn’t offered to give gas-wary students a free ride.

Washburn students, you obviously feel some kind of connection to the university if you’re here, so you should take pride in the institution you’re attending and the education you’re receiving. Along with that is the duty of supporting your fellow students, whether it’s in the classroom, in the commons or in the athletic arena.

This is not a challenge to WSGA, freshmen or the Bod Squad – this is a challenge to Washburn as a whole. Enjoy and take pride in who you are and where you go! From President Farley to the freshmen straight out of high school, get out and support your university.

This change will not take place overnight. It’s something that will take time. But to those who care about themselves and the perception of Washburn, get out there and yell, cheer or paint yourself blue and support your fellow Bods.