R-E-S-P-E-C-T B-U-F-F-A-L-O

Why is it so hard for people to respect UB as a Division I school?

Just because the university hasn't received a hunk of molded bronze or fancily cut glass within the past five years, give or take, doesn't mean it is any less deserving of Division I status than any other team.

If championships are the only way a team can be recognized as a legitimate organization, many would have to say buh-bye to their favorite teams. Furthermore, those who are so hard on the athletes most likely wouldn't be able to stand a day or two in their shoes, cleats, or Speedos.

Athletes beat themselves up enough when it comes to missing a shot, fumbling the ball, or failing in any way. Even though they participate in team sports, chances are those who put on their blue and white on game nights tend to blame losses on themselves as individuals.

I am willing to bet that after the heartbreak that was the Mid-American Conference Championship game, each member of the men's basketball team thought, "If only I had ..."

The team was in the championship game of the MAC, a place where no Bull had gone before. Reggie and his crew were a half second away from winning a championship, yet people were still overtly critical of their performance, doubting Buffalo's capabilities.

Not only was the team close to a championship, but three out of four of last season's seniors recently signed deals with professional basketball leagues overseas. Mark Bortz even donned a Clippers jersey for their Las Vegas Summer league. (Well, it wasn't exactly a jersey, more like a cut off t-shirt, and they never did get his name right on the broadcast. NBATV guys - it's Mark, not Mike.) But still, the success of the former Bulls are accomplishments that can be in many ways attributed to the university and their time spent here.

Basketball isn't the only sport that has recently spawned a professional athlete. The New York Mets selected infielder Joe Mihalics in June's Major League Baseball draft. Mihalics became the first baseball player to go on to a professional career from the UB since Buffalo's reinstatement into Division I in 2000.

After four UB grads have stretched their careers beyond the venues in Amherst, one would think that there would be a chance for more respect.

Well maybe this year will be the year. The year of the Bull.

Maybe the football team will approach the 500 mark. I'm not saying they will come out of nowhere and obliterate the MAC competition, but, they are definitely on the way to five wins this year. Alright, maybe four. Regardless, this could be the year they show real improvement.

Maybe this year the women's basketball team will have a consistent fan base, comprised of more attendees than empty seats. I agree that they've struggled in the past few years under the "leadership" of ex-head coach Cheryl Dozier. But this year is a new year with a new coach. This could be the year they take off, similar to the 2003-2004 men's basketball season.

Maybe this year people will finally understand why football head coach Jim Hofher was offered a contract extension last spring. To be completely honest, I'm not sure why it was done either but maybe there's something hiding that spectators can't see. Maybe it's like one of those Magic Eye pictures. You just have to stare at it long enough and then all of a sudden it jumps out at you. I always loved those things. Anyways, maybe this will be the year Hofher is celebrated.

Maybe, just maybe, things will really turn out for the best this year. The only way to find out, however, is to sit, relax, and enjoy the game. It's not a coincidence the men's basketball team succeeded last year. The crowds controlled the arena while the guys controlled the floor.

All the Bulls, regardless of what sport they are, need is a little respect. Their accomplishments, or lack thereof, are in the past. For now, all we have is hope for the best in the future and that in and of itself deserves respect.