Fans said they were excited to meet the new coach and players for the Ball State University men's basketball team Tuesday at basketball "Fan Jam" and ready to move on from the Ronny Thompson era.
The hundreds of fans who attended the event had the chance to meet the men's and women's basketball teams. The spectators were divided on which team they were more excited for as some said the men's, some said the women's and some said both teams are equally exciting.
Although the fans were divided by which team they liked more, there was a common theme of fans wanting the men's team to move on from last year.
First year coach Billy Taylor also said he wants to move on.
"We're really just moving forward," Taylor said. "Taking the kids that we have right now and that's our focus."
In Thompson's only season as the Ball State men's basketball coach, the Cardinals had multiple NCAA violations, players left the team and went 9-22, the worst record in Ball State history.
Sophomore Brittany Black said Taylor and new players will help turn around the program. Other fans agreed with her views.
"They'll definitely improve from last year," senior Aaron Scheibelhut said. "It will be exciting to see the new coach and the new players."
While freshman Kara Frandsen also said she expects the men's team to improve, she said she is more excited about the women's team. She also predicted a Mid-American Conference championship for the women's team.
Senior Amanda Williamson also said she is more excited for the women's season. However, she said she plans to attend all the games for both men's and women's.
In addition to getting autographs, fans received gifts from the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and corporate sponsors. Fans walked around the court gathering gifts, taking pictures and meeting figures like Charlie Cardinal.
A large portion of the fan base at the event was people with children.
Gary Chenault and Schaivon Nevings said they are both excited about the men's and women's teams. Chenault, who is Schaivon's Big Brother from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, brought him to the event.
Chenault said he wants the university to continue the event as it allows fans to connect with the players. Schaivon said his favorite part was getting players' autographs.
Mark Watters, a Ball State staff member, brought his sons Ben and Jacob to the event.
"It's great," Watters said. "I'm just glad that they can see the basketball team and the community."
While most of the reaction was positive, a few fans were somewhat disappointed.
Scheibelhut said it was a great event but more students needed to attend.
Jack Ross attended the event and said he does not plan to attend a lot of games. Ross said he bought men's season tickets for years but he did not buy them again.
"They started changing the way they did the tickets," he said. "They were going to charge you more to keep your season tickets."
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
