The Johnsonian

Issue date: 11/7/07 Section: Sports

2007-2008 Men's Basketball Team:FRONT ROW: Chris Gaynor, Michael Jenkins, Andy Kettler, Tim Kaine, Larry Dixon, Randy Peele, Marty McGillan, Paul Molinari, Antwon Harris, Taj McCullough MIDDLE ROW: Byron Faison, Justin Burton BACK ROW: Marc-David Vil, Mantoris Robinson, George Valentine, Jonnie Rice, Chris Malcolm, Andy Buechert, Charles Corbin

2007-2008 Women's Basketball Team:BACK ROW: Jessica Fansler, Ashley Fann, Asha Gwynn, Ashley Haugtvedt, Jennifer Walker, Sarah Scott, Ashley Cox, Tiffany Rodd FRONT ROW: Kathi Ryska, Shanice Cole, Yvonne Van Daalen, Shelly Hankins, Franchesca Davenport, Kayler McBride (Not Pictured) Head Coach Bud Childers, assisstants: Jodi Davis, Laquanda Dawkins and Chris Vozab

Go ahead; take a look at the men's basketball schedule. Notice anything significant compared to recent years. It's tougher this year isn't it?

The home schedule is slam packed with challenging non-conference opponents. Missouri State comes into town Nov. 25, Akron comes Dec. 4, Old Dominion comes Dec. 21 and you have the ESPN Bracketbuster in February.

"There is a lot of pride from our students in what we've done," Head Coach Randy Peele said.

Other Big South schools don't have the type of home schedule as Winthrop does this year.

"In terms of the strength of our schedule at home, go look at every opponent in our league and see if there is a home schedule that comes close to it," Peele said. "I know our students want to see high caliber competition and that's a positive thing. And all I'm saying is I've listened, I've responded because I know they (students) want to see us play the best teams we can play."

"With that comes a responsibility. Come out and support us. Come out and make our environment one of the best mid-major environments in the country, because it will only help our program."

Peele wants the university to have pride in the program and come to games but he wants to see activity in the parking lots before a game as well.

"I'm student friendly," he said. "I just want them involved. When we come in on a Saturday game at four o'clock, there should be tailgating going on. Big! Not just for tournament time but for a lot of Saturday games. Come outside and let's have a good time. That would be great if we could continue to grow in that way."

Peele emphasized that it is important not only to come to the men's basketball games but to come out to all the Winthrop athletic events because it creates a better college atmosphere.

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