The Other Sports

During the men's basketball playoffs last month, WGRZ-TV Buffalo's Channel 2 News interrupted its 11 o'clock news broadcast every ten minutes to give an update on the UB Bulls' progress.

While big sports like basketball and football receive primetime coverage, many other college sports teams seem to have to make due with residual interest. Some believe that the nature of college sports prevents all sports teams from receiving equal attention.

"There can only be so much interest in sports at a school at one time," said Paul Vecchio, assistant athletic director at UB. "In general, football and basketball just seem to be the most popular sports, while all the other sports tend to have to battle for the rest of the people's attention."

This is not a phenomenon limited to UB, according to Russell Crispell, head coach of the men's tennis team. Other college students, as well as sports fans in general, seem to be naturally drawn to basketball and football because of the amount of coverage those sports are given in the mainstream media, he said.

"I would love to see what would happen if a university's athletic program would focus its marketing and promotional dollars to the Olympic sports," stated Crispell. "Just imagine the Buffalo News with front page headlines about track and field, swimming, and softball."

Kaylin Manley, a freshman undecided major, agreed that the amount of advertising an event receives directly affects the amount of people who show up to see it.

"I went to a few of the men's basketball and football games. I always knew when the games were. I haven't gone to any other sporting events because they aren't publicized as much," Manley said.

Sometimes, the fact that an event takes place outside of a stadium and off campus might be a hindrance to student attendance.

Josh Liederman, a junior economics major and member of the men's tennis team said he believes a team's lack of home games may contribute to fans' disinterest in some sports.

"The tennis team plays at the Village Glenn (in Williamsville), which is not really near campus. We don't really have very many home matches, so that does not give the students a lot of opportunities to attend," Liederman said.

According to Rachel Albert, a freshman exercise science major and member of the women's crew team, the nature of her sport might not be conducive to large crowds.

"Our team rows at West Side Rowing Club, but we only have two regattas in Buffalo," said Albert. "It's free for students to go, but I guess crew really isn't a spectator sport."

Stephanie Conway, a freshman undecided major and track and field competitor said she would like to see more enthusiasm for her sport, and believes there are concrete ways to achieve this.

"We have open meets coming up soon - April 16 and 17. They could e-mail the dates to all the other athletes," she said.

Lindsay Rogers, a freshman biomedical science major and member of the crew team, said physical presence at events is not the only way student spectators can encourage athletes.

"There are still ways to show support for our team. Students could make signs just to show spirit," Rogers said.

Student support in all its forms can have a positive influence on team's performance, said Sean McWilliams, a sophomore undecided major and member of the baseball team.

"We need fans to support us like the basketball team. That would help us a lot during games, and we can prove to the school that we are strong athletes as well," he said. "Our home field is at the Amherst Pepsi Center, which is right near campus. It's just a short walk away, and it's free for students."

According to Vecchio, UB has some amazing athletes, and when achievements are made, it is important to take notice, regardless of the sport.

"All of these athletes work extremely hard, and when they do something great, we try to balance out the spotlight. All of the teams have made achievements that they are to be commended for," Vecchio said.

According to Mark Bortz, a junior in the School of Management and member of the men's basketball team, it is important for all of the athletic teams to support each other.

"Especially this season, the basketball team had a huge amount of spectators," said Bortz. "But now that the basketball season is over, the attention should shift to some of the other sports this spring season. It's important that members of all of the sports teams support their fellow athletes."

Jessica Lister, a freshman pre-pharmacy student and member of the track and field team, agrees that - of all people - athletes should be the ones to support other athletes.

"We show up for their games," said Lister of basketball and football players. "We want UB teams to be united as one."

According to Crispell, UB's Division I status helps open the school to the public and serves to drum up support for college sports in general.

"With UB being a Division I school, there is an emphasis on the two major men's sports: basketball and football," stated Crispell. "I support this fact because I feel that it makes the general public more willing to support UB athletics. After building up a few teams, it will provide a great opportunity for the other teams, such as my men's program."

McWilliams encourages support for UB no matter what form it takes, McWilliams said.

"It's always amusing to see some good hecklers on our side," he said.