On the surface, fan support for Saluki athletics seems even across the board.

Despite last year’s disappointing season, the football team still has its crowd. The Arena is always packed during basketball games and even the baseball team draws its fair share of fans to the Hill.

However, unbeknownst to many, a great number of fans fail to flock to Davies Gymnasium to watch the spikers play their game of volleyball; an unfair token of appreciation given to a team that deserves much more. If this does not apply to you, please don’t take offense; if it does, you don’t know what your missing.

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In case you missed it, Friday’s match against Missouri Valley Conference rival Indiana State drew a rare, but welcome crowd of 375. The fans who attended were not disappointed with the spikers performance. SIUC blew the Sycamores right out of Davies Gymnasium thanks in part to the crowd support.

Saturday was a different story, however, as the football team drew the crowd away from Davies. Blame it on timing or whatever you wish; the fact remains that the spikers deserve some recognition in the form of a consistent full house.

There is no doubt that the SIUC volleyball team has had a history of low numbers when it comes to fans. The only question is why such a talented team fails to pack the house especially now that it’s free.

Granted, the spikers may not dominate the MVC although they have a solid chance at making and winning it this year. No, they haven’t made an NCAA appearance in a few years either. Nonetheless, they are a team loaded with a talented senior squad and a multi-talented young bench who deserve the same recognition and support that other Saluki athletic organizations receive; it’s a shame that recognition is so hard to get.

The fact that fan support can influence the outcome of a game, or an entire season for that matter, is nothing new. After all, it has helped in bringing three MVC tournament titles to SIUC basketball and it no doubt helped the spikers against Indiana State. Just think of what crowds of over 375 at each home game would do for the spikers; I guarantee it would only enhance their already talented style of play. Volleyball is a game of momentum and motivation. The size of the crowd only helps to increase the level of motivation on a team, which in turn, enhances the style of play.

If you’ve never ventured into the confines of Davies Gymnasium do so; you’ll find that the performance of the spikers is nothing short of exciting. Regardless whether or not you know anything about the sport does not matter. What matter’s is the importance of supporting those who have the desire to work hard to make it exciting.

This years squad is loaded with talent and anyone who attends a home game will have the pleasure of witnessing the action that makes volleyball such an exciting sport; whether it be a service ace by Heather Herdes, a kill by Alicia Hansen or a dig by Kim Golebiewski.

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