Go Vote – Support IU Off the Court
By Morgan Smith
Not only are the Hoosiers competing on the court, but now in several contests online. Here you can find four ways to prove your Hoosier pride to the rest of the nation.
Geico Best of College Basketball Contest
Out of ten NCAA basketball destinations in the country, Indiana University and Assembly Hall have been selected as a finalist for the Geico Best College Basketball Roadtrip contest. Obviously we have the history, numbers, and atmosphere to be at the top, so let’s just make it official. By voting once a day on Facebook, IU has the chance to be featured on a CBS special April 6th. This competition is completely fan based, so show the 42 year old Assembly Hall some love by voting and putting it in the spotlight it deserves. Hurry because voting ends January 25th!
Nov 27, 2012; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers coach Tom Crean on the sidelines against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Assembly Hall. Indiana defeated North Carolina 83-59. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The Infiniti Coachs’ Charity Challenge
This challenge hits close to home. Tom Crean, chosen among 47 other Division I coaches, is participating in the third annual Infiniti Coachs’ Charity Challenge. Crean’s charity is Tom’s Team, supporting rehab for Indiana athletics strength coach Tom Morris. Tom, suffering from an off-road mountain biking accident last May left him paralyzed but he continues to have enough optimism for all of us. If you don’t know Tom’s story, then read this.
Infiniti is donating $5,000 to each of the charities involved, but the coach’s charity with the most votes will receive $100,000. You can vote for one coach per region until February 27th, so feel free to share the love. There is no reason why Tom shouldn’t be given this gift. #Tomsteam
Just take a look at this great commercial bringing the competition off the court for these great causes.
Naismith Awards Student Section of the Year
We all know how rowdy the Crimson Guard can get, especially when it comes down to crunch time. The largest student section in the nation deserves an award for their continued support and dedication, if not through this gut-wrenching season, then for the past decade of a roller coaster. For the past several years, student ticket sales have continuously increased, but for the first time this year the student population purchased more than the 7,800 allotment. Because of this, these die-hard students received only 10 of 16 home games throughout the academic year. Again, there’s no doubt we deserve this honor based purely on our passion and love for the Hoosier basketball team.
Jan 12, 2013, Indianapolis, USA; Indiana Hoosiers guard Yogi Ferrell (11) takes a jump shot against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The award will go through two rounds of public voting and scoring from the Naismith Awards Board of Selectors, who will look at photos, video, and of course attendance from the student sections. In addition to the official title, the winning student section will receive $10,000 in scholarship funds. Vote every day until March 7, 2013 to show your support and make a difference for future Hoosiers.
75th Anniversary of NCAA March Madness
As mentioned in a previous post, this season is the 75th Anniversary of NCAA March Madness and to celebrate, NCAA.com is hosting a competition looking back in time. Fans can vote for the best players, teams, and moments in March Madness history and the Hoosiers have already made a mark just based on their nominations.
You can vote for your starting five with Scott May, Kent Benson, Isiah Thomas, Steve Alford, and Keith Smart. The 1976 NCAA title with a 32-0 run is up for best team. And don’t forget about Keith Smart’s notorious shot to win the 1987 National Title. All together, Indiana is up for 8 nominations and with polls open until March 24th, we are sure to have some wins coming our way.
You’re already online, so take a couple of minutes to vote for your Hoosiers. Spread the word and show the nation whose fans support the team both on and off the court.