Using pep rallies, parades and promotions is not the answer to increase basketball attendance. Penn State has a tradition of winning and having nationally competitive teams every year. Our sports programs have added to the schools national reputation more than anything.

Recently there has been a push by the university to increase its attendance at men's and women's basketball games. While I commend the university in supporting positive activities, I do not think pep rallies alone will solve this issue.

I am a regular fan at the Lady Lions basketball games, having bought season tickets every year since I was a freshman. The reason I attend the games, besides my interest in basketball, is that the Lady Lions are competitive and have been so over the past five to 10 years since joining the Big Ten.

Having a winning program is the only way to increase attendance. When I ask my friends to come to the games the number one complaint is that it interferes with football or starting the weekend early. Maybe the Big Ten could look into changing its game times in the future.

As for the men's basketball team, they have had only one winning season since I started at Penn State and the following year some players from that sweet 16 team transferred to other schools. It is clear to me that the men's basketball team needs changes and in the sports world that usually starts with the head coach.

Jerry Dunn has not produced a consistent winning team and has not had any outstanding recruits the last two years. You need to look no further than Memphis and John Calipari to see the results of a coaching change. There are coaches out there, just watch ESPN, who could bring the changes Penn State basketball needs.