Fans meet returning team at Koch Arena pep rally
Wichita State student Alex Ruder’s adrenaline was flowing Sunday afternoon in Charles Koch Arena at WSU, and there wasn’t even a game going on.
What made him so excited was getting autographs from WSU basketball coach Gregg Marshall and players Carl Hall and Ron Baker on his WSU baseball cap.
“I’m so pumped. I can’t even explain it to you right now,” Ruder said. “This is my new favorite hat. I’m going to cherish it.”
The team appeared in the arena following its Final Four loss to the Louisville Cardinals 72-68 in Atlanta on Saturday.
“(The basketball players) were so tenacious, so hard working, they continued to persevere and finally made major efforts,” Marshall said. “And for that, these guys are true champions.”
Marshall continued: “We were representing not only this program, this university, this fine campus—we were representing the state of Kansas. We were representing the western half of the United States. We were representing Shocker Nation throughout the world.”
Marshall also congratulated the Shocker fans for their continued loyalty throughout the season.
“When we’re out there playing our hearts out, we’re doing it not just for ourselves,” Marshall said. “We’re doing it for the greatest fan base in the country.”
Shocker Sound, the Spirit Squad and WuShock hailed the Shockers’ return. The team members spent 15 minutes signing autographs on surfaces from basketballs to editions of Sports Illustrated.
After Marshall’s speech, fans elbowed their way to get autographs before team members were rushed away by security guards.
While fans expressed disappointment about the Shockers’ defeat, many said their overall emotion was joy and pride in the team’s success.
“I could care less what the outcome is. I’m so proud of them. I’m so proud to be a Shocker here,” said pep band member Tyler Kincaid.
The pep band, Shocker Sound, traveled with the team to Atlanta and performed during the Louisville match. Kincaid said the prestige of the game and audience size didn’t faze them.
“We’ve played in big crowds before, and the added 50,000 people wasn’t that much of a difference,” Kincaid said. “[The fans] wanted to welcome us home and welcome the team home and show us how much love they have for us.”
Marshall’s speech reflected the aggressive and positive philosophy that has characterized the team’s season. He commented about next year, too.
“Whatever your occupation is … do it with anger,” Marshall said. “Are you satisfied? Or do you want to do it again next year?”
