Letter to the Editor: A team that needs its fans

Posted on January 10, 2008

Welcome back to JMU. I hope you had a great holiday break and that 2008 is off to a terrific start. These are exciting times at JMU as we enter the Centennial Year. With that said, our basketball season is also in full swing.

This year’s men’s basketball team has already produced some exciting moments and I’m sure many more are in store. While we continue to make great strides, we still have a ways to go and the point of this letter is to get you to understand that you are a major part of that process.

Having coached in many situations, including the Atlantic Coast Conference. I have learned that atmosphere is a key to winning and to recruiting high-level student-athletes who will make winning a habit. You, the student body, are vital to our growth and success.

Many people talk about the Electric Zoo–the rowdy and innovative student section in the ’70s, ’80s and early ’90s. It’s my hope that we can re-invent the Zoo to help motivate our team and create the best home court atmosphere in the Colonial Athletic Association. We need an arena that vibrates with enthusiasm. We have nine home games in January and February starting with UNCW this Saturday at 8 p.m. The entire team hopes to see you there.

Dean Keener
JMU men’s basketball coach