Rabid Blue Devils fans pitch in for women
Move over, Krzyzewskiville, you have a new neighbor – Goestenkorsopolis.
Duke students, who have a tradition since the 1980s of sleeping in tents to get into the big men’s basketball games, have branched out to support the top-ranked women’s team.
While the men’s team usually gets close to the capacity of 100 tents, three tents went up early this week as the Blue Devil women prepared to play rival North Carolina today.
“It makes me feel really good,” Duke coach Gail Goestenkors said. “I think the students have been the best this year that they’ve ever been. They are really into the women’s basketball program and they’ve been so supportive. Our players and coaching staff are extremely appreciative of their support. This is just another great step in our progression in having the same sort of support that our men do. Obviously, we’re still a long ways away, but it’s the next, right step.”
Duke (28-0) is looking to finish the regular season unbeaten for the first time in school history. The last team to do it was Connecticut in 2002 – the Huskies finished the year as national champions going 39-0.
The Duke players appreciate the support.
“First off, (the tent) just shows how far women’s basketball at Duke University has come. I remember being here my freshman year and we didn’t have one sold-out game. Now there’s been a few,” said Duke guard Lindsey Harding. “It shows how much respect and how far we’ve come and I love seeing them out there.
“As far as playing in Cameron (Indoor Stadium), the effect they have on us, they give us so much energy. The Crazies are jumping up and down and screaming and they get us excited. We love to have them as our sixth man behind us.”
After the Blue Devils won at Maryland last Sunday night, the tent dwellers left a note for the team: “Dear Coach G and team … Great win tonight! Love, Tent No. 1, Goestenkorsopolis.”
The players plan to visit the tent fans before today’s big game.
“It’s awesome,” said Duke guard Abby Waner. “I’ve gone past them a few times and we’re planning on stopping by Friday or Saturday night to say ‘hey’ to everyone.”