I have written some harsh things in the past; comments directed at Towson's student population and their less-than-ideal support of the University's athletic programs. For example: "By 'Towson fan' I mean the type that goes to each team's home opener, leaves disappointed, and doesn't come back," as quoted from my 'In This Corner' on Sept. 5. I continued: "The 'fan base' that would prefer to sit on their hands or in their dorms rather than enjoy a free game."

Lets reach a little farther back. In a commentary a year ago I felt a "sense of apathy toward Towson athletics," that "the fan support was less than ideal," cringing at the sight of empty seats. How near-sighted of me.

To my defense, I was not entirely wrong. But, you may be unaware that I also was not entirely correct. For that reason, I am writing this article.

There is a certain team whose home court advantage is arguably the best in their league. For them, home matches equal wins. Period. Twenty-eight in a row now to be exact. Dominant? No question. And as far as entertainment goes, theirs is one of the best shows on campus. Thanks, in part, to the fans, of course. Just go to one match and you will find that out.

"I came out, watched these girls play, and they were a-freaking-mazing," T-Unit frontman Ory Streeter said. "I've been to every game since. I take all my nights off work so I can come to the volleyball games and hang out with these guys because they really know how to have a good time and watch these ladies play. It's awesome to have a good team that we can get behind and support because they rock every team that comes in here."

With just one set of stands available in the Towson Center for their matches, the volleyball team will never draw more fans than their football or basketball counterparts. But when it comes to passion for their team, their fans are among the best.

Equipped with signs, dry-erase boards, and a slew of chants, they have made opponents realize that when they travel to Towson they are competing with more than just the defending CAA Champions.

"We try more to distract the other team," senior Adam Root, the ringleader of Towson's boisterous student section, said. "No team has ever seen what we do. We're the home court advantage, 'Riley Arena,' you're not going to be able to come in here and hear yourself think."

The volleyball team was superb before its fanbase became one of the most reputable on campus. However, the fans certainly deserve some credit when the home court advantage they have created has led to their two year home winning streak, including last year's CAA title.

"Our kids love playing for them, and when those guys start cheering, our kids go to another level," Head Coach Chris Riley said. "They are a big part of that. I don't know that we're the same team without them here."

And despite recent criticism, these fans are far from classless. Their cheering goes in support of Towson, without any intent to disrespect or demean visiting players. Distracting and offending opponents are two very different things. The Tigers' fans do a lot of the former, while avoiding the latter.

"As far as I know they have never said anything derogatory to anybody," Riley said. "The coaches understand that that's part of the home court advantage. These guys are not deliberately offensive. They're not making fun of people. They're trying to give us a home court advantage, trying to distract the other team, which is what they're supposed to do. I really don't think that the heckling is the same as being derogatory."

The relationship between the fans and the team has been a major factor in establishing boundaries.

"Riley has been great to us, he has been really supportive of us," Root said. "He'll tell us if we cross the line. We try not to, but if we come close he'll let us know."

And the opposition also has developed respect for the environment they are welcomed into. "It's a rambunctious crowd, they do a great job," Delaware Head Coach Bonnie Kenny said. "I don't think they are ugly, and mean, and say nasty things. It's good cheering and it gives a good atmosphere for collegiate volleyball."

They may not be malicious, but that does not mean visiting teams will like having to deal with Root's crew. The volume and persistence of the crowd adds to the degree of difficulty of each serve, dig, set, and kill. And if you aren't wearing a Towson uniform you will hear about each and every one of your miscues.

As far as Riley is concerned, the element the crowd adds is exactly what makes college athletics exciting, and is precisely what each Towson team should have.

"That's what college athletics should be about. We need those guys at basketball, you've got to have those kinds of fans at everything."

The movement toward creating a campus full of avid Towson fans is undoubtedly facilitated by this group.

"I want to see the sports culture of Towson change, but the only way it can be done is to start small," Root said. "Maybe one day we'll end up like Penn State or Notre Dame when it comes to sports passion."

Maybe so. Oh, correction. Without a doubt.

Darnay Tripp, a junior mass communication major, is The Towerlight's assistant sports editor

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