eNewsletter - "First-Class Briefing"
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October 2008
Just like the players, we as fans get in the same routine each year. First comes Midnight Mania. Then the red-white scrimmage. Fanfest follows close behind along with the Tip-A-Hawk dinner. Then, with a blink of an eye, the season opener is here.
We have the rare opportunity to see the Hawks home for the first two games this season. That's the good news. Unfortunately, we'll only see them on the home floor once more the rest of the calendar year. Yes, we'd all love to cheer on the home team more early in the season. However, winning comes at a cost. You become a mid-major program with a history of beating teams from more established conferences, and suddenly, teams aren't crazy to play you.
Come to your place where the nation's longest home-court winning streak exists--forget it. These days, the toughest task of the coaching staff might well be scheduling games. It's kind of like trying to host a big dinner party but not one person responds to your invitation. The Hawks sit in a tough spot now. Clearly, top 25 teams have no interest in coming to play the Hawks and to see a repeat of what has happened to BYU and Michigan State the past couple of years. At the same time, the teams trying to play a tougher schedule are opting for more of a "brand name" when scheduling games in which they will be a heavy underdog.
Another win or two in the NCAA Tournament, another appearance or two in the Top 25, another signature win or two during the regular season, and the Hartford Hawks may indeed earn more of a brand name in women's basketball circles. They've certainly garnered more notice over the last several seasons, and that's exactly why you should not expect potential opponents to be knocking at the coaching staff's doors for a little while longer.
See you at Chase Arena, Reich Family Pavilion, on Saturday afternoon, November 15, for the season opener.
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