CSU students, Fort Collins community react to CSU vs. Gonzaga at Old Chicago

The CSU basketball team traveled to Washington this week to take on Gonzaga. Since poor college students can’t afford the airfare, Old Chicago in Old Town is hosting a “watch party.” Sports Reporters Cali Rastrelli and Katie O’Keefe went down to get the beat of the supportive fans. Check it out:

 

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The Brunk brothers came out together; Kyle Brunk, is currently a junior history major at CSU. His older brother, Ryan, graduated in 2011 with a degree in construction management. They both consider themselves big Ram basketball fans.

 

Brothers Ryan and Kyle Brunk enjoy a beer at Old Chicago.
Brothers Ryan and Kyle Brunk enjoy a beer at Old Chicago.

Q:What brings you out here?

Kyle: My first beer at a bar, that’s why I’m here.

Ryan: And of course, to root on the basketball team

 

Q: Did you guys go to games last year?

Kyle: Yes, when I was not working.

 

Q: Can anything rival the Orange Out game against SDSU?

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Kyle: Well CU is coming here this year, so I think that one will get pretty big.

 

Q: What do you think about the Rams playing Gonzaga?

K: It’s kind of life the football team playing Alabama. Even if they don’t win, it’s good publicity and good experience for the team.

 

Another pair of alumni, Cole Lussenhope (2012 grad) and Scott Eaton (2013) came out to the OC especially to support the Rams.

 

Q: How do you feel about this year’s team versus last year?

Lussenhope: We are more athletic this year, so that’s better, but we aren’t as deep. We’ll see. Defense and rebounding is what Eustachy does, so hopefully that’ll help us win.

Q: So if Eustachy is here, we can win?

Eaton: I think he’s a good coach. Work ethic is his big thing.

L: They’re a brand new team, so it’s going to take them a while to gel and mesh.

Q: What’s the outcome of this game?

L: They’re going to lose. This is a good team, and we haven’t had enough playing team with each other to keep up.

E: Yeah we are pretty inexperienced compared to them who have a lot.

 

CSU alumni Lisa Denson and Taylor Jackson sat front and center to watch the Rams take on the Bulldogs. They showed up at Old Chicago decked out in green and white Ram gear, including CSU Rams stickers on their faces.

Q: Do you follow the team closely?

Jackson: Yeah, we went to every single home game last year and we actually went to four away games, too.

 

Q: Which away games did you go to?

Jackson: New Mexico, Denver, CU and Wyoming.

Denson: I also went to Las Vegas and Kentucky for the (NCAA) tournament.

 

Q: How do you think the team will do this year after losing five starters from last season?

Denson: We have a strong chance. We have a good team, they just have to find that rhythm and get back it. They’re showing us a lot more than we expected of them so far.

 

Q: Are you excited to watch the Rams take on no. 15 Gonzaga?

Denson: Yes, It’s awesome to see them on ESPN.