"It's good to get a win," Bobby Cremins said coming into the post game press conference. His Cougars team took down Winthrop 69-57 last night, in front of 3,421 at the Carolina First Arena.

I was right there, in front on press row, watching (and reporting) on the Cougars' game. What was so great about my front row seat was not that I was close to the action or that I got to sit in front of a stat monitor providing me with an up to the minute picture of the game's progress. It wasn't that I could see every player on the bench and Bobby Cremins bouncing around on the floor. No, it was the simple fact that from my vantage point, I could truly see that we as a school were united as one.

Sure, the arena wasn't packed. I mean, come on, it was Winthrop (and a Tuesday)! It was refreshing, though, to see members of the community and the student body in attendance for our home opener.

As we were preparing for game coverage here on CisternYard.com yesterday afternoon, a comment dropped through on a test post from an anonymous reader. They were appalled that after so much investment in facilities like Carolina First Arena and in our marketing to make CofC a truly strong brand, we still have a problem getting students and community members excited about being Cougars. (The post, and thus the comment, have since been deleted. Sorry I can't link to it.)

But, if that commenter went to the game last night, they would've seen a largely different picture. One of an animated student body and a rowdy set of fans. The fans in attendance were very proud to be Cougars, cheering on big plays and providing support after bad ones. Sometimes they were louder when the Cougars were on defense than when Tony White Jr. sunk his (only) three.

These weren't fans that bleed maroon and white either. These were people that were looking for truly exciting entertainment. And, they got it. It's something they now expect. The buzz for our team is great, especially after a fantastic season last year. So, shot by shot, we will breed true Cougar fans. We're on the right path.

There is no doubt in my mind that the fans - especially the students - in attendance last night will return again. They'll bring more as the buzz grows. And, a win helps. So, Coach, you got that right, it's good to get a win.