Letter: In response to “UNI fans: set higher expectations”

I recently read an article in the Northern Iowan suggesting that Panther fans should have higher expectations for our University of Northern Iowa Athletics. This article didn't sit well with me, because it stated that rushing the court at the end of the UNI vs. Creighton game was unnecessary. As I continued to read this article, it frustrated me to imagine the UNI student section being quiet and not cheering for our beloved Panthers. I'm not saying this was the purpose of this article by any means, but with setting higher expectations comes the feeling of comfort and — I'll say it — boredom.

This is not the message I want to give our UNI students: "Hey guys, we are more than likely going to win tonight, so there is no need to come to the game." I would prefer this message: "UNI STUDENTS! Come to every Panther athletic event you can, and please cheer your lungs out!" Don't get me wrong; I believe in having confidence that our Panthers will get the "W." I just don't like the thought of Panther fans being restricted from getting excited because we set our standards so high. I loved the fact that UNI students recognized how much energy and emotion was put into the UNI vs. Creighton game and that we all stormed the court UNIted as one! This is why I bleed purple and gold — for moments like this!

As a die-hard Panther fan, I know how frustrating it is to not get the opportunities to prove how good we are to the nation. This is why I cannot bear the statement, "We didn't win anything when we beat Creighton." Every game matters, and I will not downplay the fact that we beat a good team in Creighton.

If there is one thing I could hope that readers get out of this article, it for them is to wear that purple and gold with pride and showcase it to the nation. Opposing teams should fear walking onto our home court and witnessing our jungle of a student section on any given night. Thank you for reading, and I will see you at the McLeod Center to cheer on our Panthers against Bradley Wednesday night, the last home basketball game of the season. Let's make it a jungle, fellow Panthers.

Brent Schneider

Panther fan who rocks a hard hat at every game