Wichita State’s athletic fan base has grown worldwide with the recent success of the basketball program. With the 2012-13 Final Four run, many fans have jumped on the Shocker Nation wagon and began to show their pride for black and gold.

While some are new to the program, junior Joe Stroud II has been dedicated to the Shockers since he was child.

“When I was growing up as a kid, my parents were big, huge Shocker fans so we would always go to the games and that’s when I became a huge Shocker fan,” Stroud said.

Stroud is the student section leader in section 117 of Charles Koch Arena. His position isn’t official and was handed down to him by former student section leader Matt Lester.

“He (Stroud) has always been a good friend of mine,” Lester said. “I decided that since I wasn’t going to be there much longer, that Joe showed dedication of a true student fan and would try to be there whenever possible.”

Stroud said he’s inspired by players on the court and looks to them for motivation.

“[My favorite player] would have to be No. 11 Cleanthony Early,” he said. “He has so much enthusiasm and passion for what he does that it inspires me to stay in school and to do the best that I can.”

Stroud has become such a familiar face in the crowd that coaches and players recognize him and acknowledge him on a first-name basis.

“Gregg Marshall knows my name,” he said. “Everyone says ‘Oh, there’s Joe. He always sits in the front row.’ Even my boss at work knows where I am. With the players, I usually end up with them in classes.”

Some weeks have more scheduled games than others, but Stroud said he tries his best to never miss unless it is for work, school or if he is “really sick.”

A photograph of Stroud hangs in the tunnel leading to the Shocker locker rooms.

“He just feels so much more included in the community itself,” said Darlene Stroud, Joe’s mother. “It was just exciting for him to see that.”

Joe’s devotion has gone beyond the arena and campus.

“He will go all out of his way to encourage everyone to attend sporting events,” Darlene said. “He will give away his ticket to someone just so they have the opportunity to experience a game. He will make sure that they are going to attend the game.”

The Shockers are scheduled to play in the CBE Hall of Fame Classic in Kansas City, Mo. next week. Joe will be making the trek.

“It will be my first out of town tournament since I traveled to Creighton in 2012,” he said. “I get to go with all of my friends and we will be cheering on the whole team and supporting Marshall and the Shockers. Hopefully we get to go to the championship and play against Texas and defeat them for the championship.”