By Paul Westphal
Contributing Writer
“The basketball team has done their part. What can we (as students) do for them?”
That was the gist of a Graphic editorial last week. We were pleased and flattered by it and welcome the opportunity to respond. Having beaten UCLA and USC (not to mention Loyola-Marymount) in the same season, we do own Los Angeles basketball.
More important than the big wins, though, is the competitiveness and entertainment value this team has provided. These guys are fun to watch, and we hope that we are a long way from finished!
Major college basketball can greatly enrich the college experience of a large number of members of a school’s community. Anyone who attended the recent game against Gonzaga can attest to that. Multiply that experience by the number of home games a school like Duke plays (or Gonzaga, as a matter of fact), and one can get a feel for how continued “insanity” can help lift an entire campus to a different level of togetherness and spirit.
We all understand that basketball isn’t the “real world.” But the relief it can provide is harmless and fun, and that in itself can bond people from different backgrounds in many wonderful ways.
“What can we do for them?” Nothing. The question is, “What can we do for ourselves?” My answer is, “Fill the Fieldhouse.”
Not just for the Gonzaga game. Not just when all the Mormons in Los Angeles come to see BYU (and leave disappointed). Not just for Homecoming. Fill it for every game. Fill it early. Fill it loudly.
Pepperdine is one of the greatest and most unique universities in the world. It can no longer be dismissed by the all-too-familiar “it’s such a beautiful campus.” Top 50 schools have a lot more than a “beautiful campus” and Baywatch going for them.
We should never apologize for the fantastic geography this place enjoys, but to be a part of a university where the pursuit of excellence includes acknowledgement of our spiritual needs as well is a rare privilege we must not take for granted.
One of the ways to celebrate what Pepperdine has become is to continue to increase its visibility. Packed gyms lead to more wins. More wins mean better players want to come and experience being a part of more success. That leads to more wins, which leads to more packed houses and better facilities, which leads to a better Pepperdine for everyone.
“What can we do?” Simply refuse to take this team for granted.
It’s not exactly like we’re asking you to go to the dentist. The University of San Francisco is here Friday. Right now, it is the most important game of the season. After that, there are only three home games remaining. With rabid support, we can win them all and advance to the NCAA Tournament.
We can have fun talking trash to our neighbors in the Pac -10. Why should Gonzaga set the standard for packed gyms and enthusiastic support? They are in Spokane, not Malibu!
Why should anyplace else on the globe have more fun than we have? Fill the Fieldhouse!
Caption
File Photo
THAT’S MORE LIKE IT: Westphal would like to see scenes like this one at every home game.
February 07, 2002