In the very first game of the Horizon League Network Student Section Challenge, my travels brought me to historic Hinkle Fieldhouse as Butler hosted Milwaukee.
The Bulldogs downed the Panthers, 80-67, with sophomore guard Shelvin Mack racking up a career-high 25 points, keeping Butler perfect in Horizon League play at 3-0.
However the most impressive thing from Saturday's game, in my opinion, was the Butler student section (Dawg Pound).
Hundreds of students braved the sub 10-degree temperatures to support their Bulldogs even though Butler was still on holiday break. Most college kids barely make it from their bed to the couch on Saturdays by 2 p.m., let alone drive back to Indianapolis for a game.
On this occasion, the students, decked in Butler gear, supported their Bulldogs by screaming and jumping for two straight hours. This kind of dedication speaks volumes about the Dawg Pound and sets the challenge bar high for the rest of the League.
One such student was Jake Skierkowski (see video below), president of the Dawg Pound Executive Board and Butler's representative in the HLN Ultimate Fan Contest. In just a few minutes speaking with Jake, I could sense his passion for Butler Basketball and his charisma which carried over to the rest of the Dawg Pound faithful. Anyone who dresses like a smurf in public certainly has my respect.
Jake will now be entered into a drawing to win hotel accommodations and two tickets to the Speedway Horizon League Men's Basketball Championship game on March 9.
Below are the remaining games left of the HLN Student Section Challenge Tour.
It's your turn Milwaukee. I know you are also on break, but Green Bay is in town and, with what Butler showed me, expectations are high!
Stay crazy, Horizon League.
-Mike
HLN Student Section Challenge Tour
Jan. 9: Green Bay at Milwaukee
Jan. 21: Butler at Loyola
Jan. 23: Butler at UIC
Jan. 30: Loyola at Wright State
Feb. 6: Detroit at Valparaiso
Feb. 13: Butler at Cleveland State
Feb. 16: Cleveland State at Green Bay
Feb. 20: TBA at Detroit (BracketBuster Game)
Feb. 27: Detroit at Youngstown State
