Despite championship loss,
fans express support,
pride
By Kyle Charters
Senior Writer
ST. LOUIS — Despite Purdue’s 68-66 loss
to Notre Dame in the NCAA Championship game on Sunday in St. Louis,
Boiler fans were happy with the team’s impressive season.
Marc Friedman and Stephen Gose, both Purdue graduate
students, stood in line early Tuesday to get their tickets to the Final
Four. Both said they’ve watched the Boilers for the entire year
and the team’s run to the championship (game) wasn’t that
surprising to them.
"But I don’t think the national critics
gave us enough credit," said Friedman at a prep rally for the Boilers
before their game with the Irish.
After losing to Notre Dame (34-2), Purdue finishes
with a 31-7 season. The Boilers also won the Big Ten regular season
title.
Phyllis Lindley, a resident of Kokomo, Ind., also
didn’t think the Boilers’ success this season was a surprise.
"And I won’t be surprised if we’re
here (in the Final Four) again next year," she said.
She was also excited about the Sunday’s intrastate
matchup.
"It’s wonderful," said Lindley.
"I’m not a Notre Dame fan at all because of the rivalry with
Purdue. I’m all the way for the Boilers."
Purdue alumni Rob Little, a former member of the
team of males that practices against the Boilers, was also happy to
see an all-Indiana final.
"UConn and Tennessee have gotten all the attention
the last couple of years," he said. "It’s kind of nice
seeing Indiana in the spotlight, especially with Purdue in it."
About 800 fans, most clad in black and gold, attended
a pregame rally for the Boilers at 5 p.m. Sunday. Purdue president Martin
Jicshke congratulated the team, including seniors Katie Douglas and
Camille Cooper, on its season.
"I just want to say thanks to our two senior
starters who are not only great basketball players, but also Academic
All-Americans," he said.
Jischke was also impressed with the job coach Kristy
Curry has done this year.
"I want to pay a special compliment to a coach
— a very young coach — who has shown the kind of talent and
expertise that will keep her here for a long time to come," said
Jischke.
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