The Daily Egyptian is published by the students of SIU at Carbondale. Except during vacations and exam weeks, The Daily Egyptian is published Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and TWThF during the summer semester."

Salukis need student fans during playoffs

FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR:

Paul Kowalczyk
editor@siu.edu

Ryan Severs, you're my hero! Pat Gallahue, you're awesome! Kevin Christopher, I love you man! Last Saturday night at our final regular season home football game, while many of us were bundled up like maroon Michelin Men, you were there in face paint and fedoras, in blue jeans and bare chests, the letters S, I, U prominently painted on your pecs. And while I questioned your sanity, I didn't question your passion. You are true Saluki fans, and I want to thank you for your support, for being a visible example of the enthusiasm we in Saluki Athletics love to see from our students.

And there's no better time than now to be enthusiastic and excited. Our athletics teams are having tremendous success. This fall we've already captured the MVC men's cross country championship and, of course, the football team is heading into the NCAA playoffs with its second consecutive Gateway crown in hand. Also, men's basketball is picked to win its fourth consecutive MVC title. Last year, in addition to our football, men's basketball and softball conference championships, 12 of our 18 teams had top four conference finishes. The accomplishments are many and memorable.

As you graduate from SIU, you may not remember an algorithm from math class or the atomic weight from any particular chemical element, but you will remember Darren Brooks' full court pass to Sylvester Willis to beat Bradley. You will remember Marlon Heaston's interception to seal our victory against Northern Iowa at Homecoming. These are special events and special times, but they won't last forever. They say timing is everything, and now is a great time to be a Saluki.

Overall, I've been impressed with the growing number of student fans at all our events. But you know and I know it can be even better. The teams feed off of your support and energy.

You're the Charlie to their Angels, the Robin to their Batman, the spinach to their Popeye. They can't do it without you. While Ryan, Pat and Kevin showed us parts of their student bodies, we'd like to see the rest of the SIU student body come out en masse to all Saluki sporting events. And remember, as members of Team SIU, always show good sportsmanship, class and pride. As our magnificent fight song intones, "Go! Southern Go! March on triumphantly!" Again, thank you for your support and your "dawged" spirit. And remember, we NEED you at McAndrew for the playoffs. Go Salukis!

FROM THE HEAD FOOTBALL COACH:

Jerry Kill
editor@siu.edu

Our football team stands at the threshold of a unique opportunity, and we need your help. It appears that we'll host a first-round playoff game on Nov. 27, and we desperately need you to attend.

During our four seasons here at SIUC, we've noticed how much better our players perform when they feel the energy of an enthusiastic, noisy crowd of Saluki football fans. Our young men respond greatly to your cheers of encouragement.

I'd like to ask you to strongly consider making the extra effort to return to Carbondale just one day early and to be in attendance at the game Saturday. Our coaches and players would love for you and thousands of your classmates in the East grandstands to be our 12th man, our home field advantage and a key part of our run toward the national championship.

We'll give our best to represent you in the playoffs, so please give us your best by attending and helping us to "Finish the Job." These views do not necessarily reflect those of the DAILY EGYPTIAN.

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