NMSU Football Team Hopes To Win Back Its Fans

Classes were back in session Thursday at New Mexico State University, and with them came new hope for the school’s struggling football program.

Last season, the Aggies won only two games, and according the NMSU website, the average attendance at home was 15,906. Aggie Memorial Stadium has a capacity of 30,343.

Shortly after the team took its official 2011-2012 photo Thursday afternoon, NMSU head coach DeWayne Walker said he knows wins are the only way to draw fans back into the stands.

“It’s like anything else,” he said. “Everybody wants to be part of a winner. If we do win, I’m sure the fans will come.”

Despite the troubles of recent seasons, many NMSU students seem to have their school spirit intact.

During Thursday’s lunchtime rush, several students said they are excited for the upcoming season and excited to attend the games.

Dan Hergenrader, however, is not among them.

He said that though he loves his school, his favorite college football team is still the Oregon Ducks.

As far as filling stadium seats at NMSU, Hergenrader said he believes the athletic department needs to do a better job with marketing and agreed it all comes down to what happens on the field.

“Obviously, they’ve gotta get a little more competitive,” he said. “I think they’ve gotta work on their recruiting.”

NMSU opens its season against Ohio University on Sept. 3 at Aggie Memorial.