LBCC Hoops, How Can You Help?

      If one would happen to mosey into the LBCC Activities Center just before tip-off of a home basketball game, they would likely hear the booming bass gyrating from the speakers as Freddie Mercury from Queen screams "We...will...we...will...rock you!" while the Roadrunners starting line-up is announced one by one.

     Then they might ask, "Where is everyone?"
     The LBCC Men's basketball team is off to a fast start with an early 5-2 record in division play and appear to be set to contend for a division title this year. They are currently tied for second place in the NWAACC South with Chemeketa, and just one game back of division rival Mt. Hood.
     "For us to get off to this kind of start is important moving forward," said head coach Randy Falk, "It's very important in this division because it's a very competitive division."
     Yet, with over 3,000 registered full-time students at LBCC, only approximately 100 fans seem to make it out for each home contest. Of the 100 in attendance, the vast majority appear to be fellow LBCC athletes and relatives of Roadrunner players. When the announcer urges the crowd to "get loud", only a few in attendance actually feel the need to do so.
    "The crowds are usually about the same," says Rose Peterson.
     Rose has worked for the LBCC Events Staff as a videographer for the last four years. She says LBCC keeps no official attendance record but "sometimes it's busier on Saturdays." 
     But, the question still looming is why such a small attendance?
     One fan thinks the team lacks the proper exposure saying, "People don't know when they play" while another LBCC student suggested more people would come out "If they put posters up in the cafeteria or something".
     Coach Falk realizes the importance of crowd participation, but acknowledges that the show must go on regardless of who shows up to watch.
    "Crowd participation is important", Coach Falk said, "When we're playing, it can be a boost, but we're also focused on the game."
     So, if you have an interest in sports, and a little free time on your hands, come on out and support your LBCC Roadrunners. All home games are held in the Activities Center, and admission is free for students. Game schedules can be found under the Athletics tab of the LBCC home page with home games coming up on Saturday Feb. 4 vs Portland CC at 6:00 pm, and Wednesday Feb. 15 vs Umpqua CC at 7:30 pm.
     Hope to see you all there, and don't forget to get loud and have some fun!