'Pack the Bleachers' a winning event for Panthers

By Sarah Van Zanten

Chapman University community members “packed the bleachers” in the Harold Hutton Sports Center on Tuesday night for the Chapman University men’s basketball team’s first game of the season.  There was loud chanting from a sea of Panther supporters in black shirts, led by Pete The Panther, who was busting some crazy dance moves.

Many Chapman University sports teams filled the stands, including the football and lacrosse teams, for Pack the Bleachers Night, kicking off the 2010-11 basketball season. The Panthers capped the evening with a 67-49 triumph over La Verne.

“It was an impressive opening game by the basketball team, and I’m sure they are just getting warmed up,” said Stephen Sales ’12.  “It was a great turnout. It was good to see the Chapman community really support the basketball team — they deserve it.”

The Panthers are coming off a season that included their first-ever home playoff appearance.

“I never missed a game freshman year, and to see how far the boys have come is really awesome,” said Samantha Alexander ’11.  “I hope the support continues throughout the season.”