Dear Mr. Weaver,

Thank you for opening the doors to one of the most memorable nights in Cassell Coliseum history. As you know, the Atlantic Coast Conference is a premier league in college basketball. In turn, every advantage is important for success.

The Maryland game was a wonderful sight to see. Thousands of students never let up in their support for their fellow peers on the court against one of the major programs in the conference. With your help, along with the collaboration of Assistant Athletic Director for Internal Affairs Tom Gabbard and head coach Seth Greenberg, Sunday night was a success.

That night showed that you have faith that the students can support their team with class along with cooperating with the current season ticket holders. With the 67-64 overtime win, the Hokies are solidly in contention for their best finish to date in the conference.

After his team’s victory, Greenberg turned around and picked up the PA microphone and addressed the students. He said it best: "This was your win. Thank you."

College basketball is all about two things — student spirit and a great atmosphere. That is what has lacked since this school joined the ACC in 2004. As a student who has been going to games since the final season in the Big East, that night was the loudest and best all-around atmosphere on campus. The game rivaled football games, which is something to say for a school known for football.

Because of football, Hokie Club members who donate high amounts of money have prime seats for football and basketball. However, some cannot make it to the basketball games for various reasons, mainly travel. In turn, those tickets go unused or, even worse, are sold on eBay or an internet ticket source. Even though the Hokies beat North Carolina, there was plenty of Carolina Blue scattered all throughout the friendly confines of Cassell.

As for those unused tickets, there are prime empty seats. These opened spots not only look bad on television, but to recruits too. Just because a game is sold out on paper does not mean there is a sell out crowd.

It almost seems like someone in the athletic department does not want a great atmosphere or student spirit. The foundation of college athletics is creating a positive role for collegiate athletics, not a reason to make money.

There needs to be a solution, and there is no better place to start than looking directly across Washington Street.

Most students do not get tickets to the games and end up watching the contests on television when there are empty seats all over the coliseum. That is a travesty.

Let’s face it. There will be no-shows for every game. Even the Duke game last season had a block of empty seats only a few rows up from the court. Just think if that block were filled with yelling orange-clad students.

The Maryland game on Sunday set a precedent. Gabbard and Greenberg’s idea worked. It showed that students, alumni and fans can all work together if it helps the Hokies win another game. The players were energetic enough to win another hard-earned conference game, thanks to the extreme student support and a little help from Mother Nature.

It would be great to continue this idea for the remainder of the season.

As for now, students and even alumni are thinking of various ways to fill the empty seats.

All I ask of you is that you listen.

Forget the financial figures and think of the success this program can have with a packed coliseum for every game.

The students give it their all when cheering for their Hokies. Please give a little back to future alumni.

Clark Ruhland

Class of 2007