I’m not going to sugarcoat it – in recent years the student body of SMU has failed to support the athletic programs.

Unfortunately, women’s sports get the short end of an already ridiculously small stick. That isn’t to say that men’s programs get all the attention; the men get the same raw deal, just not to the same extent as the ladies do.

Why students fail to attend sporting events on campus is beyond comprehension. Most, if not all, events are within walking distance from residence halls. Not to mention that the ticket price has already been included in those hefty student fees. 

If you are reading this, there is a good chance you are either an incoming student or a parent of an incoming student. Hopefully, you are going to be a Mustang for a while. If that is the case, I challenge you to attend at least one sporting event every week during your time on the Hilltop.

What event you go to is entirely of your choosing, just go. Not only is it a great way to interact with your fellow classmates and meet new people, but it is good for the school.

SMU has officially entered the American Athletic Conference and has received a huge TV deal with ESPN that will provide SMU national exposure like never before.

How embarrassing would it be if ESPN panned Ford Stadium on Aug. 30 and the nation saw only a handful of SMU students in the stands?

Do not let this happen. Make a change. Being new to SMU gives you the opportunity to take part in a new era of SMU athletics. Be the trendsetters. Change the atmosphere and culture of SMU athletics. Set the precedent for those who will follow in your footsteps.

Game attendance has been an issue for a while now and I have been writing about it ever since I arrived on the Hilltop. I am tired of rehashing the same story every year. If not for the school, do it for me; save me from writing another “game attendance” story in the fall.

It is the year of the freshmen and the fate of SMU athletics rest in your hands. Save us freshman class of 2013, you’re our only hope.