Those in attendance at last Wednesday’s basketball games between Washburn and Emporia State were probably taken aback by something not usually present at games –

the Washburn student body.

A full student section is a rare-sight indeed, though we anticipated that the match-up between rival Emporia State would do the trick.

It’s never a fun process for our sports staffers to explain to guests watching a game at Lee Arena when they ask where the student section is.

Though there are a few diehards in the real student section, the bleachers are generally sparse. The student section usually amounts to the seats occupied by the band.

The work put in this year by the leadership of the Bod Squad has recruited many Washburn students into the habit of attending games. While some of the antics of the Bod Squad sometimes leave a bit to be desired, the fundamental idea of getting more students to the games should be applauded.

The one weak point was that Washburn students could still be considered fair-weather fans. While our Lady Blues continue their winning ways, injuries and attrition have decimated the Ichabods. Students appeared in force for the Lady Blues, but once the men tipped-off, the student section (all the sections, actually) thinned out considerably. We’re sure that many schools would love to have this problem, it shows that Washburn students still have much to learn in showing their support of WU athletics.

The men’s basketball team has an upward climb to even make the MIAA tournament in a couple of weeks.

The Lady Blues, however, have an opportunity to host this year’s NCAA Women’s Regional Tournament. They’ve truly earned this honor, should they achieve it, but to make the most of it, the Washburn community, including all of the student body, need to make their presence known.

Let’s prove that last Wednesday night wasn’t a fluke.

We’ll see you at the games and go Lady Blues!