Unfortunately, I tapped out at 6 feet, 4 inches (with shoes) and now have as good of a chance at making the Triton starting five as I do of becoming the next pope (which my being Jewish suggests might not be likely). But now, I have a new role covering Triton sports, and I think I’m going to like this gig.
Like Newton’s first law of motion, intercollegiate athletic programs tend to perform consistently year-to-year until a major change — such as sacking a coach or investing new money into a program — comes along and creates a paradigm shift.
Our athletes are some of the most dedicated individuals on campus, and their contribution to our campus is unmatched by most other co-curriculars. Same goes for attendance at these games. The number of fans who show up to Triton sporting events is consistently low — and that’s a darned shame.
In a more established column, this is probably the part when I would include some figure about the average attendance is at this year’s UCSD basketball games. I don’t need to. I’ve seen it. It’s pathetic.
The same is true for our other sports. It’s appalling that I can go to a game at which the student fan section is literally the student (singular) fan section. That is unacceptable for an athletics program at a major university.
Some will say that it’s because we’re in Division II—thinking that if we competed against bigger schools, it would be more exciting to watch. For some sports, that’s true, but UCSD, unbeknownst to most, already has successful programs competing at the Division-I level.
You know your friends at USC? Yeah, ask them which San Diego-area school’s volleyball program swept them this year. And what about the 24 athletes in men’s epee at nationals this year? Mm-hmm. Two of them were from right here on campus.
But UCSD athletics are notable even in sports not competing against big-name schools. For the second year in a row, Triton swimmers have brought home gold medals at the national championships, and the softball team has a chance at making the final game for the third straight season.
What can be done to get more folks in the stands?
Giveaways are always nice. Spirit Night is only once per year. Division I is a not-too-far-away solution, but even D-I’s prestige can’t fill seats by itself.
What we need is a renaissance in school spirit. Whether that comes in the form of A.S. Council initiatives or a jump to the next level, some change is needed to bring the spirit back to Triton Ballpark, RIMAC Arena or Canyonview Pool. Maybe there could even be a publicity stunt where the basketball team offers a walk-on spot to an untalented, uncoordinated, 6-foot-4 Guardian columnist to boost interest in both the paper and the athletic department. (The ball is in your court, Coach Carlson.)
Whatever the case, attendance at matches and meets will stay steady without a jumpstart in school spirit, just as my elusive second growth spurt and poor ball-handling will continue to keep me from playing basketball competitively.
Many of this year’s A.S. Council candidates said they believe that a lack of school spirit is one of the biggest issues facing campus this year. At least three others said that they felt that Triton Athletic Council president and women’s basketball co-captain Erin Grady was the best example of student leadership at UCSD. Athletes and athletics are inspirational on and off the field.
Take pride in your athletes, UCSD. Your student ID card is not just an overpriced bus pass (with an expiration date). It’s a ticket to the Triton show. And it’s only getting better.
Greatness is around you. That girl wearing the gold-on-navy jacket in front of you in lecture — she’s a hardworking and dedicated Triton athlete. She’ll be at the game. Will you?
