Normally when college alumni speak out about their alma mater’s student section, it’s to let them know they need to show more class. This is especially true of high profile basketball programs. I can remember numerous times during my four-year career at UConn that the message from former students was quite clear: tone it down.
For Duke University graduates Dennis and Elizabeth Chen, the opposite is true. From the Duke Chronicle via Deadspin comes a letter that the alumni wrote to the university, expressing their discontent with the lack of passion the Crazies showed during Duke’s win over Michigan on Sunday.
“The Wolverine fans unarguably out-cheered the notorious ‘Crazies’ from beginning to end,” the letter said. “As hard as the Duke cheerleaders and pep band tried, they weren’t able to get the Crazies off their butts for the first 25 to 30 minutes of the game. Coach K needs to focus 100 percent of his time on his players and the game, and he shouldn’t have to personally pump-up the crowd like he did in the second half.”
The Chens also went on to reveal that they will be holding a contest that will pay for the airfare and admission of the “most passionate Duke student” to the remainder of Duke’s NCAA Tournament games. Yipee!
The bottom line is the Dukies are the defending NCAA Champions, and it’s only natural for their fans to feel entitled. Sunday’s game against Michigan was as big as any, but considering the Wolverines were an 8-seed the Crazies were likely frustrated Coach K’s crew allowed them to hang around. When your team is that good, it’s a natural reaction. If it’s publicity the Chens are after — mission accomplished.
