The Virginia Wesleyan Marlins have been a headache that the Guilford men’s basketball team couldn’t get rid of, until they faced off on Jan. 13 in the Ragan-Brown Field House.The Quakers, ranked 17th nationally with a 9-4 record, put to rest an eight-game losing streak against Virginia Wesleyan, defeating the defending Division III champions in a bittersweet victory.

Virginia Wesleyan ended the Quakers storybook season in the NCAA quarterfinals in 2007 and last year’s exit marked the fourth straight season finished by the Marlins.

Head Coach Tom Palombo felt satisfied after defeating the school he played for and
graduated from.

“It’s good to win,” Palombo said. “As we prepared for the game, it was no different, it’s good to beat every team.”

Cheering and celebrating followed last week’s win over the Marlins. During the past two seasons, the Quakers have given fans a lot to cheer about.

In the 2006-07 campaign, the team compiled a 24-5 record, and a trip to NCAA’s elite eight. This year, the Quakers continue to drain shots, gather rebounds and dunk over opponents, which helped accumulate a devoted Quaker fan base.

Supporters, especially juniors and twin brothers Alex and Andy Parker have gone out of their way to attract fans to games by creating a Facebook group.

In the past two years the online group, with 215 members, used organization as a technique to make as much noise as possible at home games. Messages are sent to every member of the group, which informs members of games and colors to wear.

The converging of the Quakers fan base was
evident this season. When walking into Ragan-Brown gym during a home game, all that is seen is white.

A “white out” was the exact term used on the Facebook group referring to the hundreds of white shirts worn by students.

“Last year there was no organization. It was amazing that first game with all the white,” said Alex Parker.

The Quaker football players have shown their presence at home games with their painted faces and white t-shirts. Most of their t-shirts have the number of players, such as Ben Strong, Clay Henson and Caleb Kimbrough on their backs.

According to the Guilford men’s basketball team’s website, the average home attendance for the Quakers in the 2006-07 season was 590, a vast growth from the previous year of 307. The average attendance for this year’s Quakers is 460, a number that is expected to reach, or even surpass, last years’ mark.

“The fans are awesome,” said junior forward George Neville, who appreciates the fan base. “It’s incredible walking on the floor and seeing fans screaming and yelling.”

Now that bleachers are full, one of the goals for the Facebook group is to make as much noise as possible. From the vibration of the bleachers to the echoing voices, the group has obviously reached their goal.
Yelling, jumping and cheering cannot be ignored. During games fans stand as close as a couple feet from the playing floor. Being that close makes antagonizing opposing players much easier.

With the exception of a few close losses, the Quakers continue to win. Although they are not playing at their highest potential every game, they are optimistic about the rest of their season.

The men’s team has 12 games remaining on their regular season schedule, including six home games.

The true test will come at seven on Wednesday night when the Quakers will attempt to overcome Roanoke (11-2). Roanoke is ranked number two in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), and is currently carrying a seven game winning streak.
Roanoke had the best of the Quakers this past Wednesday, January 16, when the Quakers lost 68-56.

According to a message sent to members of the Facebook group by Andy Parker, try to wear white to the upcoming game.

“Come Wednesday, support your Quakers with our colors on your backs, and your voice in your lungs. Go Quakers.