Where are you? The atmosphere at Cameron Indoor Stadium last night (as at several games this year in fact) was nothing short of embarrassing. Hundreds of empty seats in the student section!? Fans of the opposing team in OUR student section!? The high level of success enjoyed by the Duke basketball program does not just happen automatically year after year. We fans cannot take for granted that our team (and particularly such a young team) will win with or without our support. When Coach K speaks of the Duke student body being part of the team, he means what he says. I appeal to those of you who only attend the "big" games to reconsider your role on the team.
Collectively you have a shared responsibility to do two things: (1) continue the tradition of previous student bodies in making Cameron the single most difficult place to play in the country for every opponent and (2) embrace each year's team as being unique and support them accordingly. This is the first and only year that "this" team will be here-don't miss out on your chance to be a part of it. Take it from someone who grew up a Duke fan and was fortunate enough to be on campus when the program was "turned around" in the mid 80s: the current 20+ year string of unparalleled success will not last forever.
None of us should take for granted how fortunate we are to be part of this amazing run. The best way we can ensure it continues is to stay hungry and help earn it every year. That means taking a two-hour study break (exams or not) to loudly and proudly take your privileged position as a Cameron Crazy whether the opponent is Holy Cross or UNC.
I promise you that years from now when you reflect on your amazing experiences at Duke, the memories of time spent in Cameron will rise to the top. GO DUKE!
Eric Barber
Trinity '87
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