What a sweet victory the Lady Lions’ Basketball Team had last Sunday over always formidable Ohio State. I recently attended the Minnesota game and an incessant question kept going through my head: Where is everyone?
The game was attended by only 4,089 fans, which amazed me in light of the fact that the Lady Lions had taken sole possession of first place in the Big Ten earlier that week.
Since the Lady Lions began the Big Ten schedule in January, fans have filled only an average of 5,000 seats at the Bryce Jordan Center. This particular team had to overcome the adversity created five years ago by the loss of a highly successful coach. Fortunately, these student-athletes decided to work with and support new coach, Coquese Washington. The cohesion which came about is evident with the winning of the Big Ten title in 2012, recently attaining first place in the Big Ten, and maintaining a No. 7 ranking nationally this year, in addition to noteworthy individual accolades.
These Lady Lions have shown dignity and grace both on and off the basketball court. They have given their time in numerous ways through their volunteering in State College and the surrounding communities.
One example is the team’s upcoming “Pink Zone” event. Over the years, the Lady Lions have helped to raise thousands of dollars through their efforts for this breast cancer awareness event. I know the Athletic Department’s Marketing Office has been working extremely hard to increase attendance, especially students, at Lady Lions’ basketball games.
I urge everyone who reads this letter to attend the Lady Lions’ next home game on Monday, February 4, at 7 p.m. when they meet their nemesis, Purdue.
It would be a wonderful tribute to the Lady Lions if they could see the BJC filled to its capacity of 15,000.
Kay Wawrynovic
Altoona, Pa.
