BASKETBALL: Should GVSU Get All The Credit For The Success Of The 131 Showdown?

The 131 Showdown, Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids

This morning, I was reading the Grand Rapids Press and came across an article written by Brian Van Ochten, who was going over some thoughts from this past basketball season.

I noticed this portion that caught my attention related to the 131 Showdown at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids on Jan. 29:

Best atmosphere: The entire Grand Valley State athletic department gets a standing ovation for creating an impressive mini-NCAA tournament setting for the inaugural "131 Showdown" on Jan. 29 at Van Andel Arena.

The spirited matchups featuring the men’s and women’s teams from Grand Valley and Ferris State attracted almost 6,000 fans and included cheerleaders, pep bands and an overtime finish for the men.

It’s just the beginning of more local college basketball downtown. Expect the Lakers to stage a second "131 Showdown" doubleheader -- against a different conference opponent -- at Van Andel Arena next season.

The only thing I would say is I have a hard time seeing all of the credit for the success of the event being given to the Grand Valley athletic department.

I think some people at Ferris deserve some credit as well for the success of the event for a lot of money and time invested in the event's success.

On a side note, the last sentence is interesting with the part about "a different conference opponent" for next season at Van Andel.