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Does the ZOO have a leadership position like previous years?

I would guess NOT?

There was no organization in it from 09-12 when I was there, I doubt it's any different now. Students just don't care about basketball right now.

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Yup, when I was there from 06-10, no leadership mainly just students sitting down and hardly making any noise

There were leaders in 08-09 although student attendance wasn't much better. AFAIK none since then.

I was there from 2007-11. There was an organized meeting at the beginning of the 07-08 season with a chance to get free pizza, hear from Coach Hawk and the players, meet the team, etc. Don't remember there ever being anything after that. The only students standing and making noise were the same two dozen people every game. The only games I've made it back for since have been on holiday breaks, so not sure what it's like now.

(02-14-2017 01:38 PM)dunkface Wrote:  I was there from 2007-11. There was an organized meeting at the beginning of the 07-08 season with a chance to get free pizza, hear from Coach Hawk and the players, meet the team, etc.

Same in '03 and '04 if memory serves me correctly.

I had the good fortune to be a student 1998-2003, and didn't have my first baby until 2006, and attended most home games before that. GREAT TEAMS. GREAT TIMES. GREAT ATMOSPHERES.

Was nice to see some ZOO cheering Tuesday during Bowling Green game

Forgive my thoughts, but as a long time Bronco fan and season ticket holder, I know how great the atmosphere at UA can be and quite frankly this version of "The Zoo" is a complete embarrassment. Kudos to those who show up but I have no kind words for the others.

Yeah, I was there '03 to '07 and those were some special basketball times - The Zoo was always rocking.

Now... oy. Not so much.

#bringbackthepinwheel

I think a big part if it is that basketball doesn't seem to be as popular as it was. I also think the Pistons and Bulls being terrible might actually have a hand in it, because students are coming into western just aren't caring about baskteball like those who started in the early- to mid-2000s did when those teams were good.

(02-22-2017 01:24 PM)stdatwmu Wrote:  Yeah, I was there '03 to '07 and those were some special basketball times - The Zoo was always rocking.

Now... oy. Not so much.

#bringbackthepinwheel

There's only 1 word to describe the pinwheel era...elite.

Get the right Stat Girl and The ZOO will be back.

(02-22-2017 01:59 PM)SilentStryk09 Wrote:  I think a big part if it is that basketball doesn't seem to be as popular as it was. I also think the Pistons and Bulls being terrible might actually have a hand in it, because students are coming into western just aren't caring about baskteball like those who started in the early- to mid-2000s did when those teams were good.

Basketball is still a huge sport in some localities. Both high school & college.

At WMU students have always only supported big time winning teams. Unfortunately most students are not aware that they can watch
a future NBA player in a Bronco uniform right now.

(02-22-2017 03:46 PM)MajorHoople Wrote:  Get the right Stat Girl and The ZOO will be back.

So true. One of my friends actually married one of the original stat girls.

(02-22-2017 01:59 PM)SilentStryk09 Wrote:  I think a big part if it is that basketball doesn't seem to be as popular as it was. I also think the Pistons and Bulls being terrible might actually have a hand in it, because students are coming into western just aren't caring about baskteball like those who started in the early- to mid-2000s did when those teams were good.

I was just going to post something similar.

Outside of Michigan St basketball, basketball just isn't that big in the state. Even when the Pistons won the NBA in 2004 during the NHL's lockout, it was more of a 'eh, can't wait till hockey.'

These past couple seasons have also seen a decline in Bronco basketball winning (although I'm happy we're turning it around!), and it's been a few years since the MAC has seen a team actually win a game in the NCAA Tournament (last was Ohio in 2012!)