By Reuben Warshawky
<[email protected]>

The Indiana Fever recently lost the WNBA championship, but whether they won or lost is irrelevant. What is relevant is that the Fever will remain in Indiana for at least one more year.

Before their season started, many people, including myself, believed this would be the final year of women’s basketball in Indiana. Why? Because the Fever had not won enough games, the Fever’s attendance was lagging, and the Fever were losing money for owner Herb Simon.

But winning solves everything. As the Fever began to win, fans slowly began to climb onto the bandwagon. The average attendance increased by 3 percent. Prior to this season, I attended several Fever games. The balcony seats were always closed because the team wanted it to appear as if the arena was full. As the Fever continued to win this post-season, the entire arena began to sell out.

It is great that the fans are finally supporting the Fever, but what happens if the Fever begin to lose next year?

The problem is: Indiana fans are bandwagon fans. For example, when the Indiana Pacers are winning, Conseco Fieldhouse is full regardless of whether the Pacers win with thugs or model citizens. Last year, the Pacers remodeled the team by adding players with good backgrounds and integrity. However, as the Pacers continued to lose, the fans continued to remain at home.

Also, the Colts are on a fantastic tear since Peyton Manning came to Indiana. Therefore, Lucas Oil Stadium is always sold-out. So, what happens if the Fever are not successful next year? If Indiana fans remain bandwagon fans, they will stop coming out to the games. Consequently, the Fever will lose money and the question will persist if the Fever can ever become a stable and permanent franchise in Indiana.

Even here at CHS, we support the teams that win all of the time as opposed to the teams that only win most of the time. For example, the football team has been to three consecutive state championships, and subsequently, the stadium is always packed with fans. However, the women’s volleyball team also has had a great season this year evidenced by its winning record, yet it struggled to fill the stands on a regular basis. Does that mean that if the football team begins losing that its attendance will mirror the volleyball team’s?

We can change the stereotype that Indiana fans are bandwagon fans. The ideal fan would be supportive of his team whether it wins or loses. I encourage every student to attend at least one game or sporting event of a team that did not win a state championship last year.

Many choices are available. For instance, the men’s and women’s basketball seasons are looming, and both teams did not finish last year as state champs. Out of loyalty to your fellow classmates who are participating in the sporting events, you should support them regardless if they win or lose.

Reuben Warshawsky is a reporter for the Hilite. Contact him at [email protected]