Reitz is alive with the sound of the Dog Pound
John Guzowski
Issue date: 2/22/05 Section: Sports
Patsos has capitalized on doing something with these enthusiastic upperclassmen that coaches in the past have failed to do -- embracing them.
Senior James Sullivan Gottermeyer said, "Patsos has turned to us to pump them up like we are part of the game, and he always acknowledges us the days after the games to say 'Thank you.' It helps us feel important and to want to keep leading cheers and making other students get into it."
Before and after the home win against Iona, Patsos acknowledged the crowd, showing his approval each time. The former Maryland assistant has become a sort of icon in his first year at the school, with many female students sporting the "Patsos Girls" T-shirts, and a sign was seen at the last home game proclaiming, "Patsos for Pope." His energy and passion is infectious. These seniors have carried over what he brings to the court into the stands. Once again, it is fun to go to basketball games.
With transfers Andre Collins and Hassan Fofana on campus, the Hounds look to be turning things around, and the growing attendance has been a big part of that. For once, there is chatter about the team on game days and going to see the men play is becoming more than just something to do on campus. It's becoming the thing to do.
These seniors have helped to create an atmosphere inside Reitz Arena that is enjoyable for the students and that the players can feed off of. The problem is, only one home game remains, and come next season, it will be hard to match the spirit and leadership these seniors have brought to the table, but it is a task that must be carried out.
Senior cheerleader Mark Pawloski advises younger students to keep the momentum going in the future, regardless whether or not the victory total keeps rising. "Regardless if the team is winning or not, the games are fun if you want them to be," he said. "Luckily for the underclassmen, it looks like a quality squad is on the way. Remember, you don't need a good team to heckle the opponent."
Senior James Sullivan Gottermeyer said, "Patsos has turned to us to pump them up like we are part of the game, and he always acknowledges us the days after the games to say 'Thank you.' It helps us feel important and to want to keep leading cheers and making other students get into it."
Before and after the home win against Iona, Patsos acknowledged the crowd, showing his approval each time. The former Maryland assistant has become a sort of icon in his first year at the school, with many female students sporting the "Patsos Girls" T-shirts, and a sign was seen at the last home game proclaiming, "Patsos for Pope." His energy and passion is infectious. These seniors have carried over what he brings to the court into the stands. Once again, it is fun to go to basketball games.
With transfers Andre Collins and Hassan Fofana on campus, the Hounds look to be turning things around, and the growing attendance has been a big part of that. For once, there is chatter about the team on game days and going to see the men play is becoming more than just something to do on campus. It's becoming the thing to do.
These seniors have helped to create an atmosphere inside Reitz Arena that is enjoyable for the students and that the players can feed off of. The problem is, only one home game remains, and come next season, it will be hard to match the spirit and leadership these seniors have brought to the table, but it is a task that must be carried out.
Senior cheerleader Mark Pawloski advises younger students to keep the momentum going in the future, regardless whether or not the victory total keeps rising. "Regardless if the team is winning or not, the games are fun if you want them to be," he said. "Luckily for the underclassmen, it looks like a quality squad is on the way. Remember, you don't need a good team to heckle the opponent."