Saturday CBS Sports traveled to Harding University for the “Best Road Trip Destination in College Basketball” and man did they get it. Harding had a great turn-out — filling, cramming and packing the Rhodes Field House.
The student section, or better known as the Rhodes’ Rowdies, were in high spirits Saturday yelling in support of the Bisons, with some even bringing props and costumes to change things up a bit.
Before the game I asked alumnus and long time bison fan Dr. David Burks what expectations he had for the crowd and rowdy nation.
“I think it’s going to be a fantastic turn-out, a lot of fun and a historic atmosphere for the Bisons,” Burks said.
Burks said although it is a big deal that CBS covered the game, he has seen similar turnouts in past games against Henderson State University and Wichita Baptist.
As the games got on their way, the Rowdies seemed to get, well, rowdy and energetic.
There are many Rowdies that attended each game and devoted their time to the basketball squad, but a group of five guys really took control and led the Rowdies into battle each home game. Keenan Kellett, Erik Ragsdale, Alex Finley, Landon Hodnett and Adin Menkin, were crazy fans who stood in the front row making sure to be in the opponent’s ears all game.
“We have fun leading the Rowdies, and it is just a plus that CBS can finally catch the Rowdies in action.” Erik Ragsdale said.
The three men took front row Saturday and brought nothing but intensity to the game and its atmosphere.
With all this excitement about CBS and the challenge, where does this game rank or compare to the past?
“This game is definitely in the top 10 games in Harding history in my opinion,” alumnus Marcus Thomas said. “As for the noise in the building, I would say it’s not as loud as games from 2001-2004.”
Harding alumus Luke Tribble thought differently.
“I think that is the loudest I’ve heard the Rhodes since I’ve been about of Harding,” Tribble said.
Both the Lady Bisons and the Bisons won in decisive fashion on senior night over Southeast Oklahoma University.
The Bisons continued to play well at home all season finishing out at 14-1 and earning the right to be known as the “Best Road Trip Destination in College Basketball.”
