Why You Need to Support College Sports

Are you a fan of college sports?

I never played any sports in school nor did I do much of anything physical. I was the kind of student that worked full-time. I would go to school, get my work done, and leave. I trained at my local gym and attended a few kickboxing classes. I never got in with the whole college sports culture.

I regret never trying to play any college sports. I also regret not following college sports when I was a student. I feel like I missed out on the fun and the connections that were to be had.

Now in my late-20s I’m a huge fan of amateur athletes and what they do.

Why should you support college athletes? Why should you consider being a fan of NCAA basketball?

College sports are entertaining.

You can’t deny that these young athletes put it all on the line when they go out there. As hard as the players work, the fans also get into the games. I remember catching my first college basketball game and I was impressed with the rowdy crowd. The game looked like it was a fun atmosphere and I wanted to be in the stands with the fans. It’s going to be tough to find something more entertaining.

Exposure for the athletes.

How many folks asked you for your autograph when you were walking through campus?

Just imagine how great the players feel when they gain exposure and catch glimpses of fame. I believe in giving these payers exposure so that they can continue to excel in their sport and so that they can one day make a living in the game.

Keeps the athletes focused.

The athletes are students at the end of the day. They still have to attend lectures, complete group assignments, deal with credit cards, and cram to pass exams like the rest of us. If you support the game, the players will have more motivation to stay focused so that they don’t get kicked out of college.

The players truly do it for the love of the game.

While you can debate that college athletes should be paid, the reality is that these guys do it for the love of the game. There’s no money involved. They want to improve so that they win and represent their school with pride.

There are far less superstars involved in college basketball.

You don’t have to worry about million dollar salaries, video game royalties and huge trades. Most of the players are fairly humble students that don’t behave like superstars. These players have to build mental toughness as they deal with media scrutiny and rabid fans.

College athletes are a glimpse of the future.

You never know, your favorite college athlete could end up in the NBA one day. I’ve followed a few players from college to the big leagues. It’s fun to track the journey of an athlete.

That’s why I would recommend supporting college basketball even if you’re not the biggest fan of the sport. I’m a fan off passion, hard work, and team work.

“I have no idols. I admire work, dedication and competence.” — Ayrton Senna

Image Courtesy of ©iStock.com