{"id":8034,"date":"2015-10-01T07:16:38","date_gmt":"2015-10-01T11:16:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/jmusportsblog.com\/?p=8034"},"modified":"2015-10-01T07:16:38","modified_gmt":"2015-10-01T11:16:38","slug":"guest-blogger-can-the-dukes-win-it-all","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jmusportsblog.com\/?p=8034","title":{"rendered":"Guest Blogger: Can the Dukes Win it All?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Last week Jeremy came closest to predicting the winner & score of JMU’s win over SMU. As a result he earned the right to guest post. He’s a current student at JMU and he roots. Enjoy.<\/em><\/p>\n

Alexa, can the Dukes win it all this year?<\/p>\n

\"Alexa2\"<\/a>The answer didn\u2019t surprise me in the slightest. Yes, we can win it all. This team is firing in almost every aspect of the game. We went down to Big D and brought home the W. The Worldwide Leader is featuring our man Vad this week on Sports Center. We have nationally ranked teams all over our great campus that are competing day-in day-out at such a high level. One thing still bothers this student, attendance.<\/p>\n

As a freshman last year, I couldn\u2019t wait until that first home game to see the stands filled with my fellow students. It did happen on home opener, but the shine began to fade rather quickly. My family decided to go all-in for the season. My parents quickly joined the Duke Club, season tickets the whole nine. I often wonder what could bring more students to games, not just football but all sporting events.<\/p>\n

I attended so many events my freshman year of 2014-2015, Swimming, diving, men\u2019s and women\u2019s soccer, field hockey, etc. I have tried to maintain that commitment this year, it\u2019s just frustrating to see so many people show up only to leave early. I\u2019ve thought how could we engage and get more student participation at sporting events. Maybe one idea would be more night games. Who doesn\u2019t love the bright lights of Bridgeforth Stadium with 24,000 strong rootin? More engagement with staff and events with athletes might enhance the awareness of how much the student-athletes appreciate the support from their peers. White Outs \/ Black Outs \/ Purple Outs \/ Merica Outs \/ Sons Out Guns Out \/ maybe could see a higher participation. I could clearly hear the proud DUKES in Texas over the weekend while streaming the game, why doesn\u2019t it sound that loud here when we have home field advantage?<\/p>\n

More in-state rivalries could help boost attendance as well. I fully understand in-state schools don\u2019t necessarily want to put the Dukes on the schedule. Raffle off one of those un-used luxury suites for student\u2019s use during the season. Anything is possible to make ALL athletic events more attended. I\u2019m proud to be a DUKE, and wish more of my fellow DUKES felt the same.<\/p>\n

What about a true student section that could help create an actual home field advantage? How about some temp bleachers right on top of opposing teams where we can be heard and seen? Put the students in one area that we can truly call our own, but before we do that WE MUST SHOW UP IN FORCE.<\/p>\n

In closing, I do believe Alexa is right. I see a trip to Frisco, Texas in our future. And I sure plan on being there to support my DUKES!<\/p>\n