I was born in Nelsonville, but raised in Athens. Larry Hunter is a legend in Southeastern Ohio, and his firing was felt deeply from folks in these parts. There has always been a divide of sorts between townies and University folks. (I was lucky to be part of both.) Larry Hunter was able to traverse that divide and attract locals to the magic as well. This region also respects toughness and Larry's teams epitomized that. Having the Snyder/Hunter coaching tree back in the Convo is a good move. Play tough and competitive, and the locals will come. Win and create a fun environment, and the students will come.

We've had four coaches since Hunter, and they've each had ups and downs regarding attendance for home games. It seemed to be the best when the OZone was rocking. But that also coincided with times when Ohio was winning about 80% of its MAC home games. That has dropped off to about 60% over the past seven years. Between the OZone and winning I don't know which may be the chicken and which be the egg.

Obviously fans want to see a winner but students also want some place fun. I saw an article recently that places like Tennessee are trying to draw more students with a smartphone app that interacts their phone with things like the music played during pregame warmups and other things. Makes their phones light up to the music or something.

A few years ago the football team had special promotions involving area communities. If they're not doing it, the athletics office should consider doing that with the b-ball team.