Jan. 12, 2012
Albuquerque, N.M. — The University of New Mexico student group, the Howl Raisers, have been nominated as one of the top college basketball student sections in the country and Lobo athletics is asking for fan support to help win the prestigious title. All Lobo fans will now have a say in determining the most deserving student section by voting for the Naismith Student Section of the Year Award.
By visiting www.facebook.com/ILoveCollegeHoops, Lobo fans can vote for the Howl Raisers as the top student section in college basketball. The Naismith Student Section of the Year Award, which is presented through a partnership of The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) and the Atlanta Tipoff Club, administrators of the Naismith Awards, is dedicated to celebrating fans that love college hoops and provide support to their college basketball team with devotion and passion.
“We encourage all UNM students, alumni, staff, and fans to show the nation what Lobo basketball is all about by voting for the Howl Raisers as the best college basketball student section in the country,” said Brad Hutchins, Associate A.D. “UNM Students, along with our passionate fan base, help to create one of the best home court advantages in college basketball. We need our fans to visit the I Love College Hoops Facebook page, and vote for the Howl Raisers and the Lobos.”
New Mexico has an all-time winning percentage of over 81% in The Pit since it opened in 1966, and numerous media outlets from Sports Illustrated to Fox Sports have labeled it as one of the best home court advantages in all of college basketball.
Nearly 80 schools representing 21 conferences are vying for the title. The Big East and Big Ten Conferences have the most schools participating followed closely by the ACC and Big 12. Participation also includes athletic conferences ranging from Mountain West and The Pac-12 to Conference USA, the Big Sky, the MAC, and Southland.
The Howl Raisers |
The Naismith Student Section of the Year Award will be determined through two rounds of public votes, combined with a scoring of finalists by the Naismith Awards Board of Selectors, which will review criteria such as the student section’s name and attendance, as well as photos, video, and a write-up submitted by the nominating school. Complete details on the selection process can be found at facebook.com/ilovecollegehoops.