Shocker season tickets drying up - Wichita Eagle

[ORUTerry]

This is an indication of what an invitation to the NCAA Tournament - and some success - can do for season ticket sales. I have heard that ORU's ticket sales have picked up relative to last year at this time.

Shocker season tickets drying up

There have been lofty goals surrounding Wichita State men's basketball: winning championships, hanging banners, playing in the NCAA Tournament.

All of them were accomplished this year.

There has also been talk of selling out season tickets at Koch Arena. Athletic director Jim Schaus said it's a strong possibility for next season. All things Shocker, fueled by the run to the Sweet 16, are hot.

"That's been a goal, a dream of ours," Schaus said. "We will sell out the arena on a season ticket basis. I really believe that."

There could be fewer than 250 season tickets available, depending on renewals and how many people on the waiting list take the next step and write checks.

So this message is for people thinking about season tickets next season, or those who plan on buying single-game tickets.

WSU sold around 8,500 season tickets last season in 10,478-seat Koch Arena. That left about 650 seats available after the 1,100 student seats and tickets reserved for athletic department uses are accounted for. The waiting list for next season grows each day, Schaus said, and is already at almost 400 tickets. WSU likely won't need a season-ticket campaign in the fall.

Season tickets could be gone by September, perhaps before.

"Now's the time to get on that list," Schaus said. "I'm not trying to say that as a slick sales approach. It's almost a customer service comment. They shouldn't wait."

Current ticket holders will renew, add seats and upgrade this spring; that process will end by June. Then WSU will know how many seats are available for new sales. New customers pick out their seats in late August or early September.

Double dip -- Baseball America chose WSU sophomore Damon Sublett the nation's top two-way player in its midseason report.

Entering Saturday's doubleheader, Sublett was hitting a team-leading .395 with five home runs and 22 RBIs as a second baseman. He has five saves and has not allowed an earned run in 9 1/3 innings as WSU's closer.

The magazine projects WSU as a No. 3 seed and playing in the Norman (Okla.) Regional in its NCAA Tournament field.

More good news -- Senior pitcher Jereme Foster, who had surgery to remove bone chips last month, made the trip to Evansville and is expected to start Wednesday against Oral Roberts at Eck Stadium. The teams also play Tuesday at Oral Roberts to make up a game postponed on March 21.

Foster threw two innings during a scrimmage Tuesday. He threw a bullpen session Saturday.

"It's just a matter of getting him in sync," pitching coach Brent Kemnitz said.

Foster, a right-hander, was 7-5 with a 3.63 ERA last season, mostly as a weekend starter. He made one start this season before having surgery and gave up five earned runs in 3 1/3 innings.

The offense might also get some help.

First baseman/pitcher Danny Jackson was cleared to practice this week and could be ready for next weekend's series against Missouri State, coach Gene Stephenson said.

Jackson, a junior right-hander, underwent an emergency appendectomy on March 24. He started five games at first this season and hit .182. Last season, Jackson hit .355 in May and turned into one of WSU's better hitters after a slow start.

He finished at .299 with four home runs, tied for second on the team. He pitched 32 innings in relief and compiled a 3.09 ERA.

Worth noting -- Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for Monday's basketball awards ceremony and celebration at Koch Arena. Players and coaches are available for autographs at 6:30 and the program begins at 7.

Paul Suellentrop covers Wichita State sports. Reach him at (316) 269-6760 or psuellentrop@wichitaeagle.com.