Deron Treadwell wrote:
>
> >I love the students, and hope they arrange the ticket situation to more
> >reasonably approximate the typical student lifestyle.  At least they make
> >noise!  In "my" section, people look at me as if I am annoying them and not a
> >"lady" because I have a loud shout (former cheerleader!) and I use it.
> > Hockey is a raucous physical sport.  If you want dignity, go to the MCA!
>
> I heard an elderly woman say to a friend as I headed down from the stands
> and toward the press box that, "This place used to be a hard place to play in."
>
 
This raises an excellent point.  College athletics are only possible
because of the students who attend that particular university - I think
it is an injustice to not make the students an integral part of the
program.  Besides, everyone can feed off the excitement that the
students can generate.  I see the great participation that the UNH
students give their team on a regular basis.  And now, a lot of the
other fans are now picking up on student cheers at games.  Also, to the
student's credit, they work to get the rest of the fans involved - they
make a point to do crowd cheers at different points during a game, they
try and do the wave, etc..  All this helps to make the game a little
more exciting for the players and the fans!
 
>
> I know this is getting long.. please bear with me.  There is one other thing
> the ticket office needs to do, and that is put the students together.  Right
> now students are spread out throughout the building, further dampening the
> atmosphere.  A student section put together, is a loud student section.
>
> Ask Alfie Michaud.  UNH puts their students behind the net where the
> visiting team defends twice (like the balcony.. hint).  I know Cronin told a
> reporter that Michaud was definately affected by that noise at the
> Whittemore Center earlier this year.  Maine's balcony presents that same
> kind of opportunity, and a great noise making ability.
>
 
It's too bad this has changed.  When I was at Maine (early 80s), the
students owned the balcony and we made NOISE!!  I remember one game in
particular where we dumped then national powerhouse Clarkson in OT
(with goalie Dean Mills) - the atmosphere was a near frenzy!  It was one
of the greatest games I have ever attended.
 
Put the students back in that old balcony and below it for a raucous
section that could rock the house!!
 
- Kevin
 
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