March 7, 2010

Wichita State fans crowded together to watch their team Sunday, as the Shockers played for the Missouri Valley championship.

"[I've] followed them all my life," said Marlen Forrest.

Forrest graduated from Wichita State in 1989. He has cheered for the Shockers through their ups and downs.

"They've had a great season, the coach is doing real good. He's really bringing along the players," said Forrest.

Forrest is just one person excited to see the team make it to Sunday's game.

"I just live in the area and I just want to support them," said Shocker fan Michael Bredehoft.

"I think they get up and down, they play pretty athletic, pretty physical. I like their team," said Dodge City Community College basketball player Bruce Massey.

A refreshed group of fans is jumping back on the black and gold bandwagon, after several years without big wins for Shocker basketball.

"WSU's been doing good all year, we've had several crowds this size this year," said Players Sports Bar and Grill owner David Schaffin.

This year, Wichita State again has something to celebrate as the team adds to its list of legacies.

"The last time I had a waiting line for all tables would be during a KU, WSU... you're going back to the 90's for that," said Schaffin.

Shocker basketball made a trip to the Final Four in 1965, the Elite Eight in 1981, and the Sweet 16 in 2006. Now, the team has a probable spot in the National Invitational Tour.

"The NIT is not bad, the NIT is not a bad consolation prize," said Bredehoft.

It's also a good reason for students, alumni, and other Wichita State supporters to break out their WuShock pride.

"[I'm] a casual fan, but definitely a big fan today," said Bredehoft.

"Oh I'm proud of WSU, that's a tremendous school," said Forrest.