Editor's Note: This story is the fourth in a three-day, five-part series that will look at men's basketball attendance at Ohio, in the Mid-American Conference and at the national level.
For some Ohio University students, the O-Zone is more than just a protective atmospheric cover.
The student cheering section at Ohio men's basketball games is always there, always rowdy and, according to many students, worth the price of admission.
Last year, the Bobcats were struggling to overcome Mid-American Conference mediocrity and preseason predictions said this season would follow suit. The only suit that has followed Ohio's surprisingly successful season to date, however, has been the green-and-white T-shirt with the O on it. And with the students who wear it come spirit, solidarity and outright heckling.
At the Ohio-Miami game on Feb. 12, foam fingers were distributed free at the door to anyone admitted, but some O-Zoners came prepared with their own version: middle fingers that read FU MU. Members of the O-Zone, as usual, turned their backs to the RedHawks when their lineup was being called and yelled a definitive Sucks! after each starter's name was announced.
And it did not stop there.
At one point, the green fingers descended on a Miami player who tripped on his way down the court; laughter ensued. As the game progressed, chants became increasingly profane, cheerers became increasingly involved and the group became increasingly louder.
Attempts at cleverness hit or missed, but all were negatively directed at Miami. Obligatory calls of bull (expletive deleted) followed perceived bad calls. It would be a hostile environment for any visiting team.
Admission to courtside camaraderie does not come without a price, and you can not get in without an O-Zone shirt. Some students, like Matt Catania and Rich Wilk, who were sitting contentedly among seated members of the crowd at the Miami game, said that is no good.
You get a T-shirt and you get to sit in the bleachers
Wilk said with notable sarcasm.
We pay enough already Catania agreed.
The athletics department recently lowered the O-Zone ticket price to $7 from the initial $15 because the season is almost over. The discount might also be to increase O-Zone attendance, but that has been stable this year.
Greg Martin, a cheerleader who has participated in nearly every men's basketball game, said he has noticed almost no holes in the O-Zone this season. And students standing in the mass said they have noticed the same thing. Only a few spoke of decreased madness and attendance.
It used to be a lot crazier my first two years said Will Tarter, a senior and fourth-year O-Zoner. But it's a surprise team this year
they're (10-1) at home and that keeps us coming.
Several students said they have seen fewer people and attributed that to a stricter O-Zone policy. Before this season, students could walk in and be admitted, with a shirt or without. This year, students without O-Zone shirts have been greeted by The Convo security who admit only paying members. Even former Ohio standout Brandon Hunter was stopped when he tried to enter during a recent game.
But to the faithful who have stuck around -and there are many -money is not a problem. After some thought, junior Clay Lavercombe said, I'd pay double. Yeah
I'd go as high as $30. It's worth it to me.
Why?
Because we're the sixth man
Tarter said.
And heckling people
Lavercombe said. That's what it's all about.
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Patrick Bourland
