Show me the Money

Shortly after the Nevada game, the remaining sparse crowd celebrated the 600th win of Coach Roy Williams. During the celebratory speech, Coach Williams commented on the thin-ness of the crowd, suggesting that those who didn't come to the small-time games don't deserve to come to the big-time games. If you were there, you know what I'm talking about. The topic of crowd contribution were further discussed by Chancellor Thorp in his most recent blog post.

As a fan, I fully support the sentiments of both Coach Williams and Chancellor Thorp. I particularly appreciate the leadership by example, as shown by Mrs. Thorp, as those in attendance to any game can see her jumping around.

But, there's a but.

What is the reward for the dedicated, everyday fan? I consider my closest friends and family a great example of understanding that life is about the money.

As a student at UNC, I never missed a game, standing in line on Saturdays at 6:00 AM to earn the right to walk into the Dean Dome. My graduation gift in December of 2000 was a small contribution to the Rams Club to get started. We contribute enough annually to secure 4 upper level football tickets in section 228, but don't nearly contribute enough to have season tickets to basketball. As luck would have it, my two friends and I are all employees of UNC and therefore have the privilege (key word there) to purchase 6 season tickets to basketball. We currently sit in section 228A row V, in the corner, behind a video board (unable to see the two showing in-game replays) with 1 row between us and the wall behind.

Since 2000, I can count the number of games we have missed on one hand, and none were by choice. We are always there before tip and always stay until after the scoring totals are given, no matter what the margin of victory or loss, even through 8 and 20.

We've never walked out of a football game early...

We've driven non-stop 1300 miles to Omaha to see the Diamond Heels play...

We are not alone. There are many fans the exemplify what Coach Williams wants in a fan, what Chancellor Thorp wants in a fan. A fan that is enthusiastic, who feels privileged to be there, and who understands that if we expect dedication from tip to buzzer from our players; we as fans must be responsible to do the same.

But what Coach Williams states rings empty, as I stand in section 228A row V clapping, knowing that there is no reward for dedication that can compare to donation or designation.

What I say to you, Coach Williams and Chancellor Thorp, if you believe what you say, then do something about it.

A modest Rams Club contributor (all contributors) can carry an ID card that is scanned along with tickets upon entry to games to build up attendance points...

Seats can be guaranteed until a particular timeout, and then deemed general admission...

Are these feasible ideas? Maybe. Maybe not. But until a reward is given to the dedicated fan, Coach Williams can wish all he wants for seats to be filled at the Nevada game. But his wish will be as likely to come true as mine to be sitting closer to the court because I gave a large donation of dedication.

Home Game Five

Can't believe the game started early!! Long Jump Around. Roy with no jacket must be because the brace.

Home game four

How will we come back from the ny trip? Time will tell. Big Ed inthe loose shirt and big white headphones warming up. Wanda is here already in her box seats. Little Drew in Will's sneakers.

Game three

Here we go! Marshall is here! as are Bullock and Harrison. Welcome to unc! Big Ed in the loose tee again. Roy is in his tan suit.

Game two

Big Ed in the loose tee. Team socks with carolina blue stripe. Shoes with argyle on the bottom edge, sweet looking. Roy in navy, very classy.

Last One Standing

Well the boys did it! 2009 National Champs!!!

Notes from the Game:

-Roy was sporting the pink shirt again. Seems like his rotation of Vera and Pink worked
-Deon and Cope had another new handshake
-Deon in the white shoes and no t-shirt
-You would think by now Nance and Kellogg would know it is Larry Drew the Second not Larry Drew the Third. They are horrible. I wish they would retire.
-How far down do Ty's shorts have to be? He is always pulling down a little lower.
-Good sign: Flood Warning, Severe Wayne Storms.
-Another one: It's Wayning
-Why are the pep band wearing a white Nike Sleeve on one arm?

Post Game Notes:
-Franklin Street was packed...The biggest crowd I have ever seen.

We're Back...Plus One

• Well, Roy was sporting the same attire as the previous rounds, Vera Bradley tie with the Tan sportcoat and Blue plaid design.
  
• I was nervous at the start of the game when I noticed Cope and Deon with a new handshake. No pat down. I felt a little better when I realized Deon was wear the plaid Jordans (AKA Aj's shoes) and no tight tee.
• Wayne was wearing the 8 Nikes. Ty with is new size larger tourney shoes.
  
• Why was D-Green's right hand have tape on his fingers? Injury?
  
• There was a short glimpse of the Twin Tylers...
• I had deja vu seeing Tyler bleeding with Karl Hess. How do we always end up with him? How in the world does the NCAA think he is one of the top Men's Basketball officials?
• Where the Refs trying to keep the Carolina game close?
• Love when Ty beats his chest after a score
• Saw a funny sign...Laydown the Lawson
• Why could we not give Ty another 5 jersey? Was this a practical joke on Dennis the Menace giving him 25 for a while?
• We got no respect from the Refs in the 2nd half
• Lost contact...Deon not Tyler. I know it is crazy!
• CBS and their crazy camera angles. Do they really think we like watch the game as if we were floating over the court? It is bad enough we have to listen to Nance and Kellogg. Where they secretly rooting for Nova?
• How much is the media going to make of a rematch of Carolina/MSU in Detroit? Was that game earlier this season Bobby's home game? I remember he had a wedding afterward but not sure about anything else.