Let Diversity Reign

[vee4xu]

Let me start by saying, I enjoy the heck out of XavierHoops and have since its inception. When the board started many of us found Hoops as an island of hope and tranquility from the phobia ladened Musketeer Madness. Over the now 7 years I've been on this board, there has been a natural transition from the utopia that I found it to be in January 2008 until today. New faces then are old faces here now. Many have come and gone. Some who were active are no longer and some who were silent are now more vocal. Seven years worth of graduations have taken place, so there are many among us with that perspective. Many of us were from years ago when Xavier played at Schmidt and regularly got drilled at home as well as away by the likes of Notre Dame, Marquette, UC and yes, even ud and Miami. OH. Many of us watched Xavier lose to ud in Cincinnati, something a generation of us has never witnessed, thankfully for you. One of my happiest days as an X fan was during my senior year (1978) when X beat ud. It was the only time in my four years that X had beaten ud, UC or Miami, OH anywhere! There's also that slice of us who graduated between 1983 and 1999. Those who have some faint connection to the past and a very vivid understanding of this program's evolution from where I was to where we are today.

It is this diverse and broad range of fans that brings such a vibrant community. One thing that each and every one of us (ex the trolls) on this board shares is a deep and abiding love for our school and its men's basketball team. We hate it when they lose. We are as euphoric when they win. The opinions flare among us when those losses occur and the cyber high-fives are aplenty when they win. That friends, is human nature. Yet, it is the diversity among us that makes me think and was the precursor to my starting this thread. The thing that interests me is what has been the biggest impact on each of us in becoming the fans we are today. It is also this diversity that forms cyber alliances or cyber arguments. The sides and players in these groups can change with the topic or how we were formed. Yet, to me none of these are personal, but a reflection of what's shaped our passions over time.

I am interested in reading everyone's perspective about what most shaped your Xavier fandom, what's important to you as a fan and how you would define success of Xavier basketball, both in the short and long term. Since I really haven't even fully vetted these questions myself, i'll give them thought while I anxiously await responses from anyone, from any era willing to share.

[xufan2020]

As you can see, I'm fairly new to the board and have been pretty inconstant. Born in 1997, I'm definitely a part of the new generation of fans; although don't doubt my lack of knowledge of XU basketball history, I'm very well informed. I can really only remember going to XU games as far back as 2003ish. My dad (class of 1980) told me he took me to games even when I was only 3 years old. I basically grew up going to XU games... I had a very privileged childhood and I still am. (But trust me, I don't take things for granted).
Anyway, I really have vivid memories of being in tears after the Gonzaga and Ohio State games... But moments of spine tingling glory after BJ hit that three against WVU.
Looking back, I loved watching XU basketball from 2007-2010. These past seasons have kind of brought me back down to Earth, although my passion for the team has only grown. I love reading other people's perspective on this board. I enjoy the community, especially after big wins. Even though I disagree with some people, and everybody seemingly has an opinion on Chris Mack (personally, I am no longer going to 'defend' him in arguments), we all come together with the common hope of victory. That's what makes sports beautiful. Have a good Sunday, GO X!

[X-band '01]

Certainly makes me feel old seeing your age - I started classes at Xavier back in the fall of 1997.

In all seriousness, welcome to the board and don't be a stranger.

[vee4xu]

Thanks, 2020 for chiming in. It would really be great to hear from as many of us who don't really post too often. It would also be great to hear from more of your contemporaries in who graduated after say 2004. Like your dad, I took both of my sons to Xavier games starting at a young age. We drove from Columbus and there were times they did homework in the car, or slept because it was late. They both graduated from Xavier in the 2008-2011 range. So, they have the current perspective, but like you also a historical perspective.

Thanks, band for being encouraging and inviting to 2020.

Keep the thoughts coming.

[xudash]

As you know, I am from your time: I received my undergraduate degree in 1978 and earned my MBA in 1981. In my case, wanting Xavier to become a Marquette (Al McGuire) seemed like a lofty and relevant goal at the time. After all, we are talking about a former Jesuit school which had just won the national championship in the late 70s. Getting our butts kicked by them and by Digger and Notre Dame at Schmidt had gotten beyond old.

The younger guys here can't possibly comprehend where this program came from and that is more than okay. In fact and comically, good for them!

Nonetheless, and now that we are here, now that we are coming to 15 years beyond the point when the Cintas Center was opened, my expectation for Xavier is to compete for national championships. As far as I'm concerned, with what we have built and now that we are in the Big East, Xavier is very well-positioned to compete at that level.

I do believe we are still working our way out of the dirty backwash from the Dez Wells and brawl incidents, but that the effect of those incidents are just about to run their course.

I believe we are working our way through a transitional period involving our movement to a new, more competitive conference.

With all that offered, I certainly believe that this team is not gelling properly to this point. At least they have enough additional chances to still right the ship.

How do I define success of Xavier basketball, especially from where we are now? Virtually year-in, year-out participation in the NCAA tournament, and past the first weekend, all while eventually making it to the F4 and, with a little luck, a NC.

I thought we would beat Butler yesterday in Indianapolis. I felt that way based on recent success in prior years with X teams making solid course corrections along the way. So, I find myself believing that we are still working through some of that backwash while adjusting to a new, more competitive conference, but knowing that it is about time for Xavier basketball to reassert itself.

[vee4xu]

The goal here is to get some new thoughts from new posters. Some of us just read the threads and that's fine. However, it would be great to get some new perspectives from those passionate fans among us who don't type much. After this long, people on this board know what a blowhard like me thinks about many topics. I would like an opportunity to read some new thinking and give my fingers a rest. New ideas are never a bad thing. This is a chat board and many times people type things that seem personal, but in the end it is just people typing stuff.

[vee4xu]

Dash, I can always count on you, friend and fellow classmate. You bring up good points. At this point, X should be competing annually in the NCAA tournament and well beyond the first weekend. You and I both know firsthand from the Xavier folks that XU men's basketball is the cornerstone of and the engine that drives donations, growing the campus, enrollment, et al. So, men's basketball success is paramount from that perspective. It is also very important to attract the best player talent. Having teams the win conference titles, go deep into the NCAA tournament and send players to the NBA is ultimately what will bring players here. So, any lack of these things will impact both the basketball program and the engine that drives the school.

And yes, the school is adjusting to a new conference. Additionally, I agree about that the Dez thing is still lingering as is the UC fight. Yet, I find that the last 10%-15% of any success is the most difficult to achieve. Winning an NCAA basketball championship takes all the preparation and time that Xavier has elected to commit to this effort, but there are over 300 other teams with the same goal in mind each year. It also takes some modicum of luck, a la NC State versus Villanova.

Thanks for offering up an opinion my friend.

[vee4xu]

Also, if there are any past players or some Xavier administration folks hanging around the fringes of our little cyber playground, please chime in and give is some thoughts from your respective perspectives.

[basket]

Vee, I may be a poster from a LONG time but I do not post much. Nor in all honesty am I a grad of Xavier. That being said. Why and how am I an X fan? Simple my dad and Grandpa. They both were huge fans. My dad graduated from XU. Thus, I was thrown into the fire and quickly became a fan. I saw the last football game at home with him as well as the last game at Schmidt. The team AND the University through the years has grown and grown wonderfully!! Xavier to meis NOT about how many wins and losses they have in a year. That being said it is VERY nice when they win! What matters to THIS outsider is yes, how they play they game! I have been blessed to have been to 6 Final 4's. The one in San Antonio was VERY painful as that was the year the team made the Elite 8. While spending my time walking around S.A I knew deep in my heart that MY TEAM as well as my dads and Grandpa's was good enough to be there. They weren't BUT I knew if at that time my Grandpa were still alive he would of Sooooooooooooooooooooo proud of that team! Which I am sure he was from above. Almost the entire time in San Antonio I cried, yes I am a bit emotional. I cried because I KNEW that my Grandpa was proud of that team. Xavier University will ALWAYS represent more then an MCC, a-10 and hopefully an Big East title BUT it's core values! Win or loose I am PROUD to be a Xavier fan and I know my Grandpa is as well. All For one.............................................

[vee4xu]

Thanks, Basket. Much appreciate you taking the time. You are not the only one on this board who didn't graduate from X. In fact, two of our esteemed poster, Gladdenguy and Kahns Krazy (pretty sure) are not XU grads. It would be great hearing from fans who didn't graduate from X, but find themselves rooting for the team. Step up folks and join the insanity.

[paulxu]

My dad (class of 1980)

Ack! That's a shot to remind me of the Schmidt days...can't imagine what this will do to the Q.

[XMuskieFTW]

Xavier was always in my family's blood. My father and two of my aunts went to X in the late 70s, early 80s. I lived in Michigan and I never really knew that until the winter of 2003-2004 when my cousin decided she was going to X. I started watching games then, when I was in 7th grade, and was instantly hooked. (Good time to start watching might I add.) I never knew the hard days of Xavier basketball's past and was lucky to have started watching during the best days of Xavier basketball. I remember listening to the heartbreaking Gonzaga loss on the radio in the car and remember the heartbreak of the Ohio State game. I was at a bowling tournament that day and kept leaving in between shots to watch the game in the bar. They actually disqualified me one game because I was gone too long. Xavier has brought so many good memories. BJ Raymond. Going nuts as a freshman in the dorms during the KSU game and just all the tournament games and games I've been lucky enough to go to. The Crosstown Brawlout and how many of my friends blame me for starting the fight as I was the one who started the "It's our City" chant throughout the stadium just moments before Tu yelled it at the UC bench.

From Xavier being a complete unknown to me 12 years ago to the impact it has made in my life today is remarkable. Not only is Xavier basketball my favorite sports team where I do not miss a single game on tv/in person, Xavier University largely shaped me into the person I am today.

This is by far the most difficult time since I have become a fan for Xavier basketball, and as much as it sucks at times, I'm not worried. If our worst is being a borderline NCAA tournament team, then I would consider us lucky to have a program so good that we should have such high expectations. We essentially had to start over following the 2011-2012 season. We lost our entire starting 5. Couple that with having lost probably our greatest assistant coach in Pat Kelsey(Which we have never really replaced imo) and the disaster of a recruiting class in 2010 that was supposed to be the replacement for that 2012 starting 5, we have had to completely rebuild. Semaj kept us afloat for two years. Without him we would have been a .500 team the past two years. Now we are finally getting back to Xavier basketball. Balanced scoring, team chemistry, etc. We have come a long way back, but still have a ways to go. I know we will get there if not this year than in the next couple years. I have faith in Chris Mack, this team, and this program.

[vee4xu]

Thanks for contributing, FTW. Your perspective is appreciated.

[Xcited]

Vee, I've been a member of the board since 08 and graduated with my MBA in 1977 and a season ticket holder going back to the Gardens. I've been a long time Xavier fan along with other family members and a number of golfing buddies. I rarely post but probably check in on a daily basis to see what others are saying and thinking. I really enjoy the banter and getting other's perspective on the games and recruiting during the off season. I don't post often because it's easy to get into pissing matches over trivial issues and a lot of things are taken out of context and I just don't enjoy that part of it. I'm not complaining, just recognizing that is part of a message board and I'm just not into that. I realize there are a lot of opinions and different perspectives and that's great. What I don't enjoy are those few that only post after a loss and come on to criticize and always have negative things to say about the program or the coach and take every opportunity to spew their negative attitude. I have to admit I really expected to have a slightly better record at this point in the season. But on the other hand I think our rankings at this point in the season are probably about where I thought they would be. There's still a long way to go in the season and I have every expectation that Coach Mack and the players will figure it out. I feel confident that we'll make the dance with a good chance of getting into the second weekend. And the future looks BRIGHT! Go X!

[vee4xu]

Thanks, Xcited. I'm excited that you took time to post your thoughts here. It seems to me that the board needs an infusion of new ideas and perspectives. I think you recognize some of the issues in your post that result in stale bickering among regulars. Thanks for your perspective.

[XU Cowbell Kid]

My sister was a student at Xavier during the run, and that initially sparked my attention, but it didn't solidify my fandom.

My moment was during my senior year of high school - March of 2007. I was trying to decide between Ohio State and Xavier. I was lucky enough to get the scholarships so that both schools would be an equal cost. I grew up a huge Buckeyes fan, but I wasn't sold. I was trying to figure out where I really wanted to go.

And then, in that infamous game, Ohio State played Xavier in the NCAA Tournament, and with 10 seconds left, Greg Oden basically body checked Justin Cage into the first row of the stands. In that moment, I was so incredibly upset that there wasn't a flagrant foul called, I knew that Xavier was where I would end up going to school.

I've been an enormous Xavier fan from that moment on.

[vee4xu]

Great story, Kid. I was in Lexington for that OSU game. Very disappointing. Thanks for sharing.

[toledodan]

started following xavier basketball around the 86 season. saw a few of their games on tv during the mcc tournament and was hooked. i believe my first game was in 88 at the old colisieum downtown vs louisville. the cards were #2 i beleive and x was down like 15-0 early. xavier would win at the end and all hell broke lose. went to several games at the gardens till finally getting season tickets the last year in the mcc. kept season ticket up till 2006. that includes 420 mile round trips to games from 2002-2006 after moving to toledo. i'm here in kansas city now and made it to 3 games at cintas and 1 at creighton last season. been to the mizzou game this year and florida gulf coast. i love xavier basketball and did i mention i never went to school there. zero connection. there is a great alumni group here that kinda took me in and we have some great watch parties out here.

[vee4xu]

GreAt story, Dan. You are really a fan In the truest sense with having no connection to the school. Thanks for sharing. Keep 'em coming folks. I'm getting inspired and rejuvenated.

[Xville]

I am a class of '04 grad, so I believe I would still be considered a pretty young fan. I barely knew what Xavier University was when I started looking at colleges during my junior year of high school. In between my Junior and Senior year, my parents and I took a couple of visits to campuses...the last one was to visit both Xavier and Dayton. After the Xavier visit, I knew that this was the school for me. I remember even asking my parents if we could just go ahead and cancel the Dayton visit but to no avail. They made me go on the Dayton tour and I basically rolled my eyes the entire time. There was no way I was going to school at that dump. (I still can't believe I married a Dayton grad.)

Anyways, I came to Xavier at probably the perfect time. It was the first year that Cintas opened, and being that I lived in Husman freshman year, there was no excuse to not go to every home game. I was hooked. My senior year was the year of The Run and I remember it like it was yesterday. Driving down to Atlanta for the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 games with friends that are going to last a lifetime, was one of the best times that I have ever had even with that loss to Duke.

With this perspective in mind, I am probably a bit spoiled and selfish when it comes to being a fan of Xavier basketball. Sure there was the '05 season, but for the most part, I have only known success when it comes to Xavier basketball. That is why the past two and a half years have been so frustrating for me. I truly believe that on the day of the brawl, Xavier basketball lost something that day, and it still has not returned. I'm not sure if its toughness, or what but something is definitely missing. I see glimpses of it here and there, and my hope is that one day it will finally return.

As far as expectations for the program, we should be in the tournament virtually every single year. We have the resources to do so, and there is really no excuse save for a year here and there. We should be competing into the second weekend on a pretty consistent basis, and a final four should be in reach every great once in a while. I miss the days of talking about seed, rather than talking about play in games and if we are going to get in or not.

[vee4xu]

First off a ville, you are obviously very bright in understanding that X is superior to ud without even going there. Second, your perspective is one that I envy given the dismal teams I watched. Thanks and for the regular insights on the board.

[muskiefan82]

I am not a graduate of X. My undergrad is from that other school in Cincinnati and my MBA is from Thomas More; HOWEVER, my stepfather took me to my first Xavier game at Schmidt against the Union (KY) Bulldogs in 1982. Xavier won 75-62 I believe and I became a lifelong fan. It makes for interesting questions when people see all of the Xavier stuff in my office, but degrees from UC and TMC.

I had no idea that I would be at the first game of the renaissance of Xavier basketball. I have been going ever since. I have had the great pleasure of only knowing Xavier basketball as a winning program (save the 1995-96 13-15 year which also happens to be the only year I was unable to get to at least one game as I was stationed overseas). I clearly blame myself for the 95-96 aberration. My apologies.

I remember my joy when X beat Missouri for the first NCAA victory. I remember tears flowing when X beat Georgetown in 1990 to advance to the Sweet 16 and the joy at the half against Texas that year turning to pain in the second. Fast forward to Texas again in 2004 and getting the chance to advance against Texas was beautiful.

It's been up and occasionally down, but man have things just gotten better and better. Our "crappy" schedule this year according to some is light years ahead of where we were. The Long Beach St., Murray St, S.F. Austin, and UTEP teams X played this year are WHO WE WERE then. Now X is something else. We now BELIEVE X is better than many teams and are shocked when they don't win.

I remember rushing the court when X beat a "name" team, seeing the Xavier (OH) in the rankings for the first time, or going crazy when X was on ESPN.

Now X is the name team, the (OH) is gone, and we're shocked when we CAN'T find the game on TV.

I am spoiled. I know it. Luckily I have the perspective of a late 50's grad (stepfather) who was there when they won the NIT and suffered through all the decades after to enjoy this time with. As much fun as I have had over the years, I can see the joy in his eyes when the team plays.

[Leghorn]

I visit this site daily, but never post. This post will double my number of posts. It seems like I get any breaking news here before anywhere else. I also enjoy getting other people perspectives. Plus nothing is better than a good shot at UC or UD.

I grew up a UC fan. I went to many of their games in grade school and HS. My older siblings all went to UC and I had a cousin that played football for them. It was the dark ages of Xavier basketball. In fact, my senior year of high school, I went to the crosstown shootout (I don’t think it had a name) and rooted for UC. However, I made my college decision based on academics and choose Xavier.

My freshman year, I continued going to UC games, but started going to Xavier games too. It was perfect timing. UC was in a down period during the Yates era and Xavier was in the last year of Bob Staak. We beat OSU at the Gardens in the NIT and I was hooked. My college years were the infancy of the turnaround of Xavier basketball and we had some fun teams with Larkin, Hill and Strong.

Two years after I graduated I got season tickets and have had them ever since. I’m still hooked and my kids are growing up Xavier fans. I’ve even converted my OSU wife to the point she rooted for Xavier for the game in Lexington.

This year’s team is very frustrating. How they can play so well at home and then wet their pants on the road is infuriating. Where is the mental toughness?

However, going to the games in the early days at the Gardens its hard to believe how far the program has come. Even though we’ve regressed the last few years, I think we’ve reversed directions again. I think the best years are still come.

[ammtd34]

Class of 2007. Regular poster now, but originally lurked for a while. I initially joined because Bob Knight said "chicken shit" on College Gameday.

I saw Schmidt mentioned a few times. My favorite thing to do at Xavier was to go in the soccer locker room late at night. Once we were in there, we could get into the gym. We would get together and play (what felt like) secretive 5 v 5 soccer with no keepers on the Schmidt floor, using the bottom panel of the basket support as goals. I loved that.

[xufan2434]

Born in 1991. Grew up going to Cincy Gardens for every home game with grandpa. Transitioned to Cintas and been in section 110 ever since... Chose not to go to X for school since I basically already lived there my whole life and experience something new. Never changed my fanhood for them however. Grew up loving Gary Lumpkin, Mo Mac, Sato, Burrell, etc... Got to go to Atlanta back in 04' and is still to this day my favorite trip ever. It's been sad to see this program take a step back in my mind even with the move to a better conference. That is still pretty dang successful to move into. However, success on the court IMO deals more with the eye test for me than anything. Growing up watching Lionel and other X players that had that fire in them to never want to lose is something I haven't seen in the last couple of years. I know toughness is a broad term but I really believe Mack's teams haven't had them like Sean's did. I could not stand CJ Anderson most of the time he was here because of his turnovers... But at least I knew he wouldn't back down. I would love to see that from this team and program going forward. Then we might start winning some road games again.

[xudash]

I'm loving this thread. I've enjoyed every post.

Dan and 82's stories are classic: not even graduates, but came to love X basketball. Schmidt and versus Union in '82 takes some vision to see where things could have been headed at that point!

I now understand 'ville better as well. If you're first experience with Xavier basketball is a brand new, $46 million facility located not too many steps from your dorm room, well, that's not a bad way to get started, especially with what he witnessed from there.

Finally, anyone - ANYONE - who has Foghorn Leghorn as his avatar is aces in my book! And converting a Buckeye fan to Xavier basketball is beyond an achievement; it's a gift.

[LadyMuskie]

I was born in 1979 and have been a fan since then. My dad graduated in '76, his dad before him. I can't remember a time when I wasn't a fan. I've been listening on the radio since forever, and started attending games when I was about 3. Many of my friends from grade school had their first college basketball experience at the Gardens with my family. I still have all my old stuff, like buttons and pennants and my Sweet Sixteen shirt from 1990. I graduated in '01 and married my husband - also an X grad, who I met at Dana's through a friend, the following year. Now we have Little LM whose Xavier fandom is so renowned that her principal and teacher talk X basketball with her. We are an all-American Xavier Family.

[XFan]

Had to chime in here. I definitely fall into the category of "long time lurker, first time poster". Not a Xavier grad myself, but my husband is an '82 grad and can tell stories about Schmidt and "take Tay away" chants. I remember early on, in the mid-80's, he would drag me to games and I would be bored out of my mind. I would watch the clock, look at my watch, watch the clock, look at my watch, just praying for the game to end. Then, he took me to the Louisville pre-season NIT game and I started to get it, but it still took me a few more years. I didn't officially "snap" until we went to the XU-IU tournament game in Indy in '93. I remember us being these two blue X shirts in a full-on sea of red and gaining the respect of the IU fans sitting around us because they thought X would be a push over.

Anyway, to make a long story short, the following year, we became season ticket holders and have rarely missed a home game since and travel whenever possible. We both live and breathe our XBB and so goes the team, so goes the mood in our house. I often say that it must be hard to live in a house where one spouse "doesn't get it".

We were at the Butler game on Saturday. Like many of you, our frustration level is ratcheting up, but we aren't ready to throw in the towel yet on this season or the future of XBB in general. Hopefully, the best is yet to come.

[Fireball]

It's funny...I ready these posts and there are a lot of young'uns. There are also a lot of old'uns. I am unabashedly a middle'un, along with band and LadyMuskie, so far in this thread.

I'm a Xavier grad (class of 1997), but arrived at my fandom earlier than that. I started following them in middle school, and became a big fan when we made our first run to the Sweet 16. I did not plan on attending Xavier for college, but applied and after I visited, it felt like home...so that's where I went. It still amazes my the transformation we've seen in the campus from 1993 until now.

I'm not a lurker, not really a frequent poster. I'm not as knowledgeable about game of basketball as a lot of hard-cores, so I can't really hang in some of the discussions. But...I am a season ticket holder, and live and die with every game. I frequently bring one or both of my daughters (ages 5 and 8) to games, and they both love going. I'm not sure if it's for the game, the snacks, or the halftime shows, but they both like going.

As far as the state of the team, I'm frustrated with the road woes, but I'm optimistic about the potential. We're on the verge of being a national power again, but need a couple of things to come together. I think they'll get there, and soon, but they're not there yet. The negativity towards the team upsets me more than when they drop the game. Quite honestly, I avoid coming here after losses, because the influx of "we suck" and "fire Mack" posts that we see is not something I enjoy reading. However, in general, I really enjoy the board.

[mohr5150]

I didn't know much, if anything at all, about X growing up. I grew up about two hours east of Cincy and was in love with the town, mostly because of the Reds. Yeah, I liked the Reds even in those horrible early 80's years. My godfather went to X, but he didn't really talk much to me about it. We had Channel 19 in my hometown, so i watched mainly UC basketball growing up, and was actually a pretty big OSU fan until I learned about how scummy their athletic department was (things never change). When I started thinking about going to college, somehow X got in the mix. I'm sure my godfather had something to do with it, but I'm truly not sure. I narrowed down my choices between X and Ohio Dominican in Columbus. Thank God I made the right choice. I loved every minute of being a Musketeer. I met my wife there, graduated in '95, she graduated in '96, and we've stayed in Cincinnati ever since. While at X, some of the best times I had were at the Gardens. One of my best friends had a car, and we would always drive to the games, getting there before everyone else. Because of this, we were almost always in the front row or two of the student section. I'll never forget the Shootout during Brian Grant's senior year. I have had to make up through numerous good deeds for all the bad things I said to Dontonio Wingfield. We were near the front for that game, and I was on the court hugging Brian Grant when the game clock turned to 0:00. Those games in the early 90's were exciting times, even though we were in what is now considered the lowly MCC. My senior year was Skip's first, and was the early exit from the tournament year thanks to Allen Iverson and two seniors who couldn't resist getting drunk the weekend before instead of preparing for a tournament game. Thanks, Sears and Rose. As much as it has hurt over the years, I am so proud of the fact that, in the overwhelming majority of cases, the team I root for has always had a strong moral compass. I am more proud of telling people about the successes of our basketball graduates than I am of any success they have on the court. I guess that's the educator in me.

I attend as many games as possible depending on finances at home. Some years I get a six pack, others, like this year, I lucked into a sweetheart deal for season tickets up in Section 216. My father-in-law, who has no ties to the school other than his daughter went there, has attended games with me for the past several years. I love Xavier Basketball, and my mood is almost always determined by what they did in the previous game. My wife will attest that there are several holiday family pictures ruined due to crappy play in tournaments. The Hawaii debacle comes to mind.

As for now, the losses are hard to get used to when you are so used to winning, but I understand that a tougher conference means more losses. Gone are the days of 15-1 conference records. To go 9-9 or 10-8 in a really tough conference isn't bad. In 2011-2012, the Lousiville Cardinals went 10-8 in the Big East and made it to the Final Four. Going through a brutal conference schedule builds character that 28-win seasons don't. I believe The Fight and the events that followed left a tremendous burden on Chris Mack's shoulders, and he has done the best job he could possibly do to right the ship. Are there things he does I don't like? Absolutely, but there were things all the coaches who came before him did that I didn't like. In Mack I trust until the administration tells me otherwise. I look for this year's team to make it to the tournament and for many years to come. As for success in the tourney? I'm hoping that Big East schedule does for us what it did for so many other Big East teams in the past and builds a tough team that knows how to win. We will see.

[vee4xu]

I love, love, love reading all of these posts. It is so invigorating for me. Since I have been a member for so long and an active on at that, seeing so many stories has brought me to a new perspective.

82 goes to UC and Thomas More, but is an X fan talking passionately about games that are meaningful for all who were alive to watch them during those fledgling years. I watched the Missouri game in a bar and was ecstatic with that win. I didn't know whether to shit or wind my watch after that game.

Leghorn, dash pretty much summed it up for me about you in his post. Your road to Xavier fandom and this board is a nice one.

TD34 you graduated one year before my older son. You guys were there at a really good time, transitioning from Matta to Miller. Those were good years. Thanks for sharing.

2434it does my heart good to see fans like you that have Xavier passion from a family member, especially a grandparent. Legacy is wonderful.

Lady you have maybe the best story of all. You are absolutely a regular, intelligent and most fun, female poster. We absolutely need more female posters on this board. You don't take crap and absolutely know Xavier basketball. You legacy and pedigree as a Xavier fan it tough to match, if it can be. Your dad graduated 2 years before me.

Xfan You win the prize for most impactful post because no one else can say they've doubled their total with one post. Your toggle point occurred at a classic game. You now know once X basketball gets in your blood, you can't get it out.

FireballI actually think your group is the best one. You didn't have to endure the losing, but were close enough to it to understand the transformation from who X was in the early-80's to where we are today. The 1990's to me, represents the most significant growth period for the program.

Mohryou lurked on the fringes until your godfather had an influence on you. Kudos to your parents for being so astute in picking him. :smile: That turns into have an alum wife and an XU life in Section 216.

Keep 'em coming folks.

[JimCoker]

It was about 1985. Late afternoon, and I ma out jogging. A bus pulls over and asks me directions to Cincinnati Gardens, he has the Marquette basketball team on the bus. We were at the corner of Galbraith and Reading Road, not too far away. Anyway, I decided to go to the game that night, and after Dexter Bailey made a lousy play right at the end of regulation to force overtime, he went off in overtime as X won by double digits. John Shimko, Skywalker Bailey, Jeff Jenkins, Victor Flemming and Ralph Lee were my team from then on, baby. To this day, I wish Bob Staak would be given more accolades for his role in building this program.

[BMoreX]

My first recollection of Xavier came 12 years ago when I was just a kid, fresh off a Maryland Terps championship in 2002. I was a huge fan of the Terps as a kid. The following year, Maryland met Xavier in the 2nd round and I was happy that the Terps beat the Muskies. It would be the last time I rooted against Xavier.

Flash forward to my junior year of high school. I went to a Jesuit high school in Baltimore and in the spring, we had a Jesuit college career fair. I was drawn to the Xavier booth because I knew it as "the school that always made the tournament" and my best friend (who eventually also went to X) told me to go talk to the guy. The admissions counselor was very convincing and told me to at the very least visit Cincinnati and take a tour of the campus. (Even now we stay in touch. My family has hosted the "Welcome to Xavier" party for incoming freshmen in the summer for the last two years for the Baltimore/DC area.)

Anyway, I chose to attend Xavier and would be a part of the Class of 2014. As silly as it may sound, having a successful basketball or football program was very important to me in my college choice. I made my decision in spring 2010, a week or so before the A10 tournament. It was easily a great decision and watching the tournament that season before my freshmen year was awesome. Having just graduated in May, I would say I am definitely one of the fans with the shortest time of being a fan of the Muskies. I clearly didn't suffer through the bad years but appreciate and admire the meteoric rise of the program.

I have always been a passionate fan of my team: Orioles, Ravens and the Terps pre-2010. Adding Xavier to the ranks just seemed normal. Having the opportunity to work in the athletic department, write the recaps for all of the home men's and women's games (among other duties) and sit at press row was an incredible experience that I'll never forget. I actually felt like I was part of the overall program, building its success. The chance to see Xavier jump from the A10 to the Big East first-hand was incredibly awesome. Because of all of that, and Xavier's recent success, I believe we should aspire to be a Final Four team. I think it is a challenging, but realistic goal. Due to the success in the past, the investments made by the school, alumni and fans into the basketball program and the resources that it has, I believe the lofty expectations are important.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I post a lot on here (with occasional long breaks) but I'll comment:

Born in 1986, never attended Xavier. Like a similar poster I was a huge XU fan as a kid growing up but wanted to go away for school. Went to SLU, which ended up being a rival after they joined the A10 my sophomore year, and while I cheered for SLU bball my XU fandom never wavered and I always cheered for XU over SLU and attended the XU/SLU games at SLU in the student section in my #34 Lloyd Price jersey.

My grandpa, Tom Ballaban, is in the XU hall of fame. He was a starting guard for 3 years and played on the 1950 Salad Bowl team. He is the reason my mom was a big XU fan, and a reason I am an XU fan. My dad, a UD grad, became a big XU fan too (unfortunately though not when they play UD) and my parents bought season tickets at the Gardens.

I was a fan for as long as I can remember but my greatest memory was when XU won the shootout in '99 against K-Mart. I was 13 and my brother was 10 and my parents went to their friend's crosstown shootout party instead of going to the game so my brother and I got to go and our cousin took us. I'm not sure I have ever been on a louder arena/stadium that wasnt a football game. The Gardens was rocking.

Also have a funny story about the Sweet 16/Elite 8 in Atlanta. When XU got there, my family knew we were going. I was a senior in high school, problem was I had just started a new job at Hollywood video and was scheduled to start work that weekend. When I called my new boss to try and fanagle a new start date they were not having it. I was essentially getting a start this date or dont start type of attitude (completely understandable btw). I was resigned to going and finding a different job, I wasnt missing a chance to see XU play in the sweet 16 and possibly Elite 8. My mom is a very outgoing, convincing person who usually gets things to go her way that most of us would only dream of, and she talked to my boss (to my dismay) and convinced her to let me start the next week/weekend. Anyway the rest is history and that was an amazing time.

I bought my own season tickets a couple years ago but had to give them up this year when I moved to Columbus for my wifes job. We will be back in time for the 2016 season and will have season tickets again. I love XU basketball and it is the only team I am a fan of in the city I grew up in and lived/will live in so it is the only team I get to see live on a regular basis that I love which has it hold a special place for me.

Go Muskies!!!

[Leghorn]

Xfan You win the prize for most impactful post because no one else can say they've doubled their total with one post. Your toggle point occurred at a classic game. You now know once X basketball gets in your blood, you can't get it out.

I could. Damn, now I'm up to 3.

[xufan2020]

Thanks for starting this thread VEE. Love the stories... I wonder if I am the youngest on this board?

[vee4xu]

It was about 1985. Late afternoon, and I ma out jogging. A bus pulls over and asks me directions to Cincinnati Gardens, he has the Marquette basketball team on the bus. We were at the corner of Galbraith and Reading Road, not too far away. Anyway, I decided to go to the game that night, and after Dexter Bailey made a lousy play right at the end of regulation to force overtime, he went off in overtime as X won by double digits. John Shimko, Skywalker Bailey, Jeff Jenkins, Victor Flemming and Ralph Lee were my team from then on, baby. To this day, I wish Bob Staak would be given more accolades for his role in building this program.

That may have been among our first "shock the world" moments.

[vee4xu]

My first recollection of Xavier came 12 years ago when I was just a kid, fresh off a Maryland Terps championship in 2002. I was a huge fan of the Terps as a kid. The following year, Maryland met Xavier in the 2nd round and I was happy that the Terps beat the Muskies. It would be the last time I rooted against Xavier.

Flash forward to my junior year of high school. I went to a Jesuit high school in Baltimore and in the spring, we had a Jesuit college career fair. I was drawn to the Xavier booth because I knew it as "the school that always made the tournament" and my best friend (who eventually also went to X) told me to go talk to the guy. The admissions counselor was very convincing and told me to at the very least visit Cincinnati and take a tour of the campus. (Even now we stay in touch. My family has hosted the "Welcome to Xavier" party for incoming freshmen in the summer for the last two years for the Baltimore/DC area.)

Anyway, I chose to attend Xavier and would be a part of the Class of 2014. As silly as it may sound, having a successful basketball or football program was very important to me in my college choice. I made my decision in spring 2010, a week or so before the A10 tournament. It was easily a great decision and watching the tournament that season before my freshmen year was awesome. Having just graduated in May, I would say I am definitely one of the fans with the shortest time of being a fan of the Muskies. I clearly didn't suffer through the bad years but appreciate and admire the meteoric rise of the program.

I have always been a passionate fan of my team: Orioles, Ravens and the Terps pre-2010. Adding Xavier to the ranks just seemed normal. Having the opportunity to work in the athletic department, write the recaps for all of the home men's and women's games (among other duties) and sit at press row was an incredible experience that I'll never forget. I actually felt like I was part of the overall program, building its success. The chance to see Xavier jump from the A10 to the Big East first-hand was incredibly awesome. Because of all of that, and Xavier's recent success, I believe we should aspire to be a Final Four team. I think it is a challenging, but realistic goal. Due to the success in the past, the investments made by the school, alumni and fans into the basketball program and the resources that it has, I believe the lofty expectations are important.

Thanks, BMore. I wonder just how many folks have chosen X because of the same reason as you. Goes to my point that BB is X's brand. Now, if I can just get you away from those Dirty Birds and to the Browns. Because, you know de facto, you are a Browns fan by proxy! :nudgewink:

[vee4xu]

I post a lot on here (with occasional long breaks) but I'll comment:

Born in 1986, never attended Xavier. Like a similar poster I was a huge XU fan as a kid growing up but wanted to go away for school. Went to SLU, which ended up being a rival after they joined the A10 my sophomore year, and while I cheered for SLU bball my XU fandom never wavered and I always cheered for XU over SLU and attended the XU/SLU games at SLU in the student section in my #34 Lloyd Price jersey.

My grandpa, Tom Ballaban, is in the XU hall of fame. He was a starting guard for 3 years and played on the 1950 Salad Bowl team. He is the reason my mom was a big XU fan, and a reason I am an XU fan. My dad, a UD grad, became a big XU fan too (unfortunately though not when they play UD) and my parents bought season tickets at the Gardens.

I was a fan for as long as I can remember but my greatest memory was when XU won the shootout in '99 against K-Mart. I was 13 and my brother was 10 and my parents went to their friend's crosstown shootout party instead of going to the game so my brother and I got to go and our cousin took us. I'm not sure I have ever been on a louder arena/stadium that wasnt a football game. The Gardens was rocking.

Also have a funny story about the Sweet 16/Elite 8 in Atlanta. When XU got there, my family knew we were going. I was a senior in high school, problem was I had just started a new job at Hollywood video and was scheduled to start work that weekend. When I called my new boss to try and fanagle a new start date they were not having it. I was essentially getting a start this date or dont start type of attitude (completely understandable btw). I was resigned to going and finding a different job, I wasnt missing a chance to see XU play in the sweet 16 and possibly Elite 8. My mom is a very outgoing, convincing person who usually gets things to go her way that most of us would only dream of, and she talked to my boss (to my dismay) and convinced her to let me start the next week/weekend. Anyway the rest is history and that was an amazing time.

I bought my own season tickets a couple years ago but had to give them up this year when I moved to Columbus for my wifes job. We will be back in time for the 2016 season and will have season tickets again. I love XU basketball and it is the only team I am a fan of in the city I grew up in and lived/will live in so it is the only team I get to see live on a regular basis that I love which has it hold a special place for me.

Go Muskies!!!

What a great story. You come at Xavier from a variety of angles. An HOF family member gives you a very unique angle from the rest of us. I love your spirit and willingness to take on anyone on the board, including yours truly. Are you still in C-bus?

[vee4xu]

Xfan You win the prize for most impactful post because no one else can say they've doubled their total with one post. Your toggle point occurred at a classic game. You now know once X basketball gets in your blood, you can't get it out.

I could. Damn, now I'm up to 3.

Sorry!!!:bash:

[vee4xu]

Thanks for starting this thread VEE. Love the stories... I wonder if I am the youngest on this board?

My pleasure. Looks like from your name that you may be among the youngest here. Don't let that stop you from taking on us old farts and loudmouths. We need someone to keep us in line.

[D-West & PO-Z]

What a great story. You come at Xavier from a variety of angles. An HOF family member gives you a very unique angle from the rest of us. I love your spirit and willingness to take on anyone on the board, including yours truly. Are you still in C-bus?

Thanks.

I am, I live in Hilliard right off Cemetery Road.

[XfansinKy]

I appreciate this thread. I'm an EKU graduate but Xavier basketball fan for life. Growing up in Ohio I always enjoyed the college players like Ron Harper, Roosevelt Chapman, Byron Larkin, and our version of the towers in Strong and Hill. To be honest I was basically a fan of most of the area teams until Tony Yates pulled the stalling stunt at home against UK. I guess for me, that pushed me even closer to being a full time Xavier fan. Also, being a kid and going to the Cincinnati Gardens to watch Xavier just felt like college basketball. Now with these Xavier message boards and the ability to see what other fans think, I believe my fellow Xavier fans are some of the most educated fans in all of basketball on how the game is played. This is just a very slimmed down version of how I became an X fan. Thanks again for this thread!

[xutag77]

Old time fan, infrequent poster. Graduated in 1977 and saw the dismal years in Schmidt. We made the deadlines one time a year. Once for breaking Adrian Dantly's nose, once for beating the Ernie and Bernie show in Tennessee and a third time for beating St. Joe's 5 v 2 in triple overtime. The biggest games of the year were UC, UD and Loyola of Chicago.

One of the biggest unsung games was beating Ohio State and Tony Campbell in the NIT. I brought a bunch of co-workers from Batesville and they were astounded that we sold beer. Having grown up in Dayton, I did not know any other way.

After moving back to Cincy, I had season tickets for over 20 years. The first set without any extra donation were 11 rows up, on the end line, behind the XU bench. My last year, without any extra donation, was in Section 205 15 rows up. A true indication of how the program has grown.

We are near the top of the basketball pyramid. Sometimes I think recent XU fans are guilty of looking up and being disappointed, instead of looking down and being gratified. We were very close to being a Loyola of Chicago type program.

Still watch the games and attend one or two a year since I now travel for work.

[Masterofreality]

We were very close to being a Loyola of Chicago type program.

Under Mulligan, we were very close to being a Loyola New Orleans type program.

[UCGRAD4X]

Not hard to see which side of the city's academic fence I found myself (made me an offer I couldn't refuse which I rode all the way to a Doctoral degree).

Historically, though, a blue bleeder through and through. Dad graduated X after a stint in Korea.

Spent many a cold saturday at Corcoran Field while mom and dad sat in the Alumni section where there were actually other people to block the wind and provide body heat.

Sat in Schmidt's student section as a youngster. Remember fielding a stray basketball for one of the players. Boy did those guys look HUGE. Actually, more recent recruits look almost that big to me now as an adult. I still have an old Junior Musketeer pin somewhere among my most prized possessions.

Fast forward to the "Coors Corner" at the Gardens. That old place seemed to fit since it had the same trough style urinals as the long since demolished Corcoran. I remember being disgruntled when season tickets increased fro $65 to $85 :hypnotized:

I guess the two games that took me from tag-a-long to lifer were the aforementioned OSU game in the NIT. I can still see John Shimko rescue the ball from going out of bounds by diving into the folding chairs along the sideline, sealing the Buc-a-roo's fate. The most electric game was when UMASS came to the Gardens ranked #1. Xavier came within a TJ Johnson bunny at the buzzer of winning. Actually I think there were two other tip-in attempts that failed that night.

Felt the same heartbreak against Duke and still insist X was in the 'final 5' since it was the last of the four elite 8 games.

[vee4xu]

I appreciate this thread. I'm an EKU graduate but Xavier basketball fan for life. Growing up in Ohio I always enjoyed the college players like Ron Harper, Roosevelt Chapman, Byron Larkin, and our version of the towers in Strong and Hill. To be honest I was basically a fan of most of the area teams until Tony Yates pulled the stalling stunt at home against UK. I guess for me, that pushed me even closer to being a full time Xavier fan. Also, being a kid and going to the Cincinnati Gardens to watch Xavier just felt like college basketball. Now with these Xavier message boards and the ability to see what other fans think, I believe my fellow Xavier fans are some of the most educated fans in all of basketball on how the game is played. This is just a very slimmed down version of how I became an X fan. Thanks again for this thread!

What a good story. I have enjoyed seeing from how many different directions so many fans have come to rooting for X.

[vee4xu]

Old time fan, infrequent poster. Graduated in 1977 and saw the dismal years in Schmidt. We made the deadlines one time a year. Once for breaking Adrian Dantly's nose, once for beating the Ernie and Bernie show in Tennessee and a third time for beating St. Joe's 5 v 2 in triple overtime. The biggest games of the year were UC, UD and Loyola of Chicago.

One of the biggest unsung games was beating Ohio State and Tony Campbell in the NIT. I brought a bunch of co-workers from Batesville and they were astounded that we sold beer. Having grown up in Dayton, I did not know any other way.

After moving back to Cincy, I had season tickets for over 20 years. The first set without any extra donation were 11 rows up, on the end line, behind the XU bench. My last year, without any extra donation, was in Section 205 15 rows up. A true indication of how the program has grown.

We are near the top of the basketball pyramid. Sometimes I think recent XU fans are guilty of looking up and being disappointed, instead of looking down and being gratified. We were very close to being a Loyola of Chicago type program.

Still watch the games and attend one or two a year since I now travel for work.

Tag, I graduated in 1978, so surely our paths have at least crossed walking around campus at some point. The games we watched at Schmidt were almost always awful. There were highlights like Dookie V. coaching Detroit, having to scrape to beat St. Joe's when they had like three guys left, etc. Being able to go behind that curtain and buy beer at that trailer was one thing that made sitting there and watching bad basketball tolerable. Thanks for sharing.

[vee4xu]

Under Mulligan, we were very close to being a Loyola New Orleans type program.

Agree completely. Fr. O'Connor retired after my freshman year and Mulligan took over. I wish Xavier could have taken a mulligan after hiring him!

[vee4xu]

Not hard to see which side of the city's academic fence I found myself (made me an offer I couldn't refuse which I rode all the way to a Doctoral degree).

Historically, though, a blue bleeder through and through. Dad graduated X after a stint in Korea.

Spent many a cold saturday at Corcoran Field while mom and dad sat in the Alumni section where there were actually other people to block the wind and provide body heat.

Sat in Schmidt's student section as a youngster. Remember fielding a stray basketball for one of the players. Boy did those guys look HUGE. Actually, more recent recruits look almost that big to me now as an adult. I still have an old Junior Musketeer pin somewhere among my most prized possessions.

Fast forward to the "Coors Corner" at the Gardens. That old place seemed to fit since it had the same trough style urinals as the long since demolished Corcoran. I remember being disgruntled when season tickets increased fro $65 to $85 :hypnotized:

I guess the two games that took me from tag-a-long to lifer were the aforementioned OSU game in the NIT. I can still see John Shimko rescue the ball from going out of bounds by diving into the folding chairs along the sideline, sealing the Buc-a-roo's fate. The most electric game was when UMASS came to the Gardens ranked #1. Xavier came within a TJ Johnson bunny at the buzzer of winning. Actually I think there were two other tip-in attempts that failed that night.

Felt the same heartbreak against Duke and still insist X was in the 'final 5' since it was the last of the four elite 8 games.

Hey, if you were able to reach you academic goals on the back of UC assistance, why not? The most important thing is that you stay committed to the Muskies. Being a Muskie fan was literally in your blood, so there was no doubt that you'd stick with X as a fan while getting a UC education. Thanks for sharing.

[xu82]

I had never heard of Xavier. My sister was three years ahead of me and went to Boston University during the busing riots. Fires in the hallways and restrooms didn't kill the crabs in the common restrooms. Big shock for the sheltered girl from Buffalo. She transferred back to Canisius and was so unhappy there we buried the transcripts like it never happened. (I promise, this is about how I got to X!) My parents took her on a college tour of the midwest, and before the first question she wanted to see the restrooms. Husman and Kuhlman had suites with a shared bath, and the deal was done.

I had pretty strong grades from a tough prep school. Thay didn't let you fail at St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute. I applied BIG, even though I didn't really want to go to Notre Dame or an Ivy league, etc. When the declines and wait list notices came in (probably 100 out of the 165 in my graduating class applied to Notre Dame - seriously), I had no idea what I would do. At the same time, my sister was happy at Xavier and I would ride down with her Buffalo boyfriend to visit. I enjoyed my time and my mother ended up getting me approved over the phone. The checks always cleared for my sister and my mother told them "he's the smart one". Done deal! I went to Xavier because thay had clean toilets!!!

I still love getting back for a game as often as possible. But that's the reason I make myself do it. It's not to see where some uninformed kid writes articles about how basketball is too important. Oh wait, that's for another thread....

[vee4xu]

I had never heard of Xavier. My sister was three years ahead of me and went to Boston University during the busing riots. Fires in the hallways and restrooms didn't kill the crabs in the common restrooms. Big shock for the sheltered girl from Buffalo. She transferred back to Canisius and was so unhappy there we buried the transcripts like it never happened. (I promise, this is about how I got to X!) My parents took her on a college tour of the midwest, and before the first question she wanted to see the restrooms. Husman and Kuhlman had suites with a shared bath, and the deal was done.

That may the the most circuitous route to Xavier of any story so far. Did I impress you with my linguistic skills?

I had pretty strong grades from a tough prep school. Thay didn't let you fail at St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute. I applied BIG, even though I didn't really want to go to Notre Dame or an Ivy league, etc. When the declines and wait list notices came in (probably 100 out of the 165 in my graduating class applied to Notre Dame - seriously), I had no idea what I would do. At the same time, my sister was happy at Xavier and I would ride down with her Buffalo boyfriend to visit. I enjoyed my time and my mother ended up getting me approved over the phone. The checks always cleared for my sister and my mother told them "he's the smart one". Done deal! I went to Xavier because thay had clean toilets!!!

I still love getting back for a game as often as possible. But that's the reason I make myself do it. It's not to see where some uninformed kid writes articles about how basketball is too important. Oh wait, that's for another thread....


Probably the most circuitous route story to X as any one so far. :biggrin:

[xu82]

Probably the most circuitous route story to X as any one so far. :biggrin:

For better or worse, I seem to stumble through life waiting to see what happens next. Shockingly, it's worked out pretty damn well! Thank God some people around me seem to have a plan! My plan after college was to move to Hilton Head, because my parents had an empty place there. Everything after that (includung that?) has just been winging it. God bless my wife!