"Maniacs are great, but keep it clean"

I've been told by several people that there has been a lively public debate about the behavior of some of our student section at the Ohio game. I, too, have received phone calls and e-mails as well, so I thought I'd share a few thoughts with you.

First, and most importantly, we love the passion that our students bring to our games. We feel we have the best student section in the MAC, and, in addition, people who have watched our games nationally on TV have told me that, thanks to the "Sea of Blue," our home games look like the best that college basketball has to offer.

So, frankly, as the father of two daughters who attend our games, it is disappointing to see a few people create a negative image on what has been one of UB's most galvanizing experiences. Our home games have united our campus and community for the right reasons, and blatant use of obscenities doesn't reflect well on the great university that we are all a part of.

Students that are supportive of their programs, like ours, impact everyone in the building: our alumni who contribute to our program, children in the community like mine that are growing up with a top-flight Division I-A program and, most importantly, future student-athletes who want to be a part of our program because of the fantastic support we receive.

That support starts with our students: you are what makes it "college" basketball, and at its best - like what the "Mighty Maniacs" have done for us - a loud, enthusiastic crowd can lift a team to a higher performance.

Having been around the MAC for many years now, I can say without hesitation that we have the best student support in the league. Let's make sure that anyone who enters Alumni Arena leaves with the same impression.

Be heard and seen - but keep it clean!