Tonight it starts once again. Colorado Mesa University’s football team kicks off their season against Western Slope rivals Western State under the lights of Stocker Stadium. All summer long, the players have eagerly anticipated running out of the tunnel onto the field to begin their quest for their third consecutive RMAC Championship.
One of the biggest questions always surrounding opening night? Well, it has nothing to do with whether CMU’s offense can come out firing on all cylinders, nor is it if the defense can continue making opposing offenses shake in their cleats. As a matter of fact, this question has nothing to do with anything on the field, but rather, it’ll be answered in the stands.
In an 8,000 capacity stadium, CMU averages a mere 2,462 attendees. That number isn’t just CMU students; that number includes students, opposing fans and spectators filling in the paid seats on the other side of the student section at the stadium.
While a sell-out is a harsh request for every game, it is a disappointment to see a near 6,000 seats empty for such a quality team. It does hit at a bigger issue, though. Why aren’t a majority of CMU students filling up stands at sporting events?
As a sportswriter for the past three years, a fair share of excuses are heard. One of the most audible being fans lack of desire to watch a poor quality contest. Division II athletics truly doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. The athletes still battle for their spots on rosters. Hopeful recruits come to the school to be part of a team, only to realize the level of competition is too much for them. These are still athletes, performing at the peak of their abilities, all the while studying with us for the next chemistry exam on Monday.
CMU is no slouch when it comes to quality teams either. Out of all the schools in the RMAC Conference, the Mavs won 13 conference titles, more than any school in the RMAC. Football won, men’s soccer went unbeaten at home and softball mercy-ruled teams what seemed like every week. CMU does more than just compete, they succeed.
Not to mention the amount of entertainment last year’s football team provided just in their own season. The lucky fans in attendance regularly were treated to a dramatic goal-line stand against CSU-Pueblo and blocked field goals in back-to-back weeks.
The other argument is the atmosphere, which is where a tip of the cap must be given to CMU’s Associated Student Government for putting on the tailgate prior to tonight’s opener. It was fair for students to say the atmosphere wasn’t always exciting prior to the games; however, this year all hands are on deck to rid that stigma. CMU fans can come take a picture with Rowdy, grab free food and play games outside of the stadium hours before the game begins. Tremendous strides are attempted to be made in order to draw more fans, and it’s time for CMU’s student body to reward that effort.
Tomorrow is the chance for something special. Tonight CMU students have the capability to come support a championship team, with 8,000 strong making their voices heard as their fellow classmates and friends take the field to represent the school. It’s time to create the atmosphere fans and the team deserves, but it’s up to the student body to have the desire to create it.
