Nathan Montanez, far right, attends Bulldog sporting events because he
feels it is a priority to have school spirit as a Fresno State student.
James Ramirez / The Collegian
Kevin Olekaibe sealed Fresno State’s 60-54 win over Utah State Saturday with a slam dunk and the season-record crowd of 7,590 fans went wild.
Every athlete’s dream is to play before an electric home crowd whose intensity can will a team to victory. Redshirt sophomore forward Jerry Brown loves playing in front of an intense Save Mart Center.
“Having support from our peers and the community is more than just a home-court advantage. It’s an amazing atmosphere to play in,” Brown said.
The men’s basketball team has played its last two games at home, winning both after losing to Idaho and Utah State in the first half of Western Athletic Conference play.
The wins followed an invigorated effort to specifically entice a lively student section. The season-record crowd included a near-full student section at Saturday’s game.
Head coach Rodney Terry is all about the support of the crowd. Although Terry has instilled in his players to have a supportive presence on campus and in the community, it doesn’t stop there.
Behind the scenes, Fresno State Athletics’ marketing and communications departments are hard at work to entice students to make Fresno State a school known for its student section and fanfare. Saturday’s large student attendance was partailly a result of giving away free pizza and “Terry Towels” to students in attendance.
Terry said he would be thrilled to have a loud and spirited student section cheering for the team regularly and thinks it would make a huge difference.
“It would be tremendous, not only for myself but also for our team in terms of the support,” Terry said. “To have our student body come out and support and embrace us would really give those guys a pep in their step in terms of energy level, knowing that they have their support.”
Brown was also thrilled at the thought of a full, loud and proud student section. He said that WAC opponents who have intense student sections, such as New Mexico State and Utah State, make a difference with their support.
“It would mean a lot,” Brown said. “We’re working hard and we want the community to be a part of it.”
Stephen Trembley, the assistant director of communications and media contact for the basketball team, believes a student section has to be a fun environment in order to make it something people want to be a part of.
“College is so different than going to a pro game because you have that student section,” said Trembley. “We want them to have a good time.”
This season, Trembley said there has been a renewed push to encourage students to want to become a part of the college experience offered at sporting events. “We have been connecting with different students on campus to really try and spark some elevated interest,” he said.
One of those students is junior Nathan Montanez, who said he takes pride in getting involved on campus and is trying to make the most of his college years.
“Being involved is not only a way to meet new people, but a way to make new memories and enjoy the best times of your college life,” Montanez said. “Supporting the school is associated with being a student here. It should be priority for everyone.”
The men’s basketball team has only four home games left this season, which means only a handful of opportunities remain to create a spirited atmosphere that can be so crucial in tough match ups desired by the coach, players and the departments behind the scenes.
“When you need that extra possession or you really need to dig down and execute, I think having that crowd and having that support behind you always helps execution, whether it be on the defensive end or on the offensive end,” said Terry.
