(In the adjacent photo - inspired UW-Whitewater students braved the snow and cold to attend UW-Whitewater's 2005 national semifinal game vs. Wesley (Delaware). Could that inspiration and dedication return in time for a large crowd to show up at the Perk for Saturday's quarterfinal game vs. Salisbury (Maryland), a team that leads the nation averaging 47 points per game? - the photo is courtesy of Jeff Seisser, Daily Jefferson County Union)
The excuses for not attending Warhawk playoff
games at Perkins Stadium have diminished greatly this week. Thanksgiving has come and gone - Deer hunting season is over – and UW-Whitewater students, well you now have a THIRD location to pick up FREE – I repeat FREE tickets to Saturday’s playoff game vs. Salisbury (Mayland).
During the regular season the UW-Whitewater football team drew an average of 8,040 fans to its five games at Perkins Stadium. That was the highest per game average in the nation.
The Hawks playoff opener vs. Albion drew 1,211 to Perkins Stadium. Last Saturday – even less – as 1,083 spent part of their Thanksgiving weekend cheering on the Hawks at the Perk.
I’ve spoken to a number of players on the lack of fan interest for a team seeking a third consecutive national title. They are mystified on why fans flocked to the Perk during the regular season and have stayed away in droves the past couple of weeks.
Is it going to be cold on Saturday when the Hawks face an extremely dangerous team in Salisbury State (Maryland)? You bet!!
Maybe UW-Whitewater fans are bored with the playoff process having seen the Hawks make it all the way to Salem, Virginia for the past six Stagg Bowls.
When the “process” was still “new” back in 2005 – 5,480 showed up on a cold, snowy afternoon to watch the Hawks beat Wesley on an icy “track” in a Division III semifinal game at Perkins Stadium.
Hopefully some of that “fan energy” will return to the Perk on Saturday!
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