Vikings defeat NAU in day of firsts: Support group

When Portland State made history last night by earning their first ever Big Sky Tournament championship and a berth in the NCAA tournament, there already seemed to be a bit of March Madness in the stands at the Rose Garden.

Supported by what was likely their largest home crowd of the season despite playing at the off-campus location, the Vikings celebrated their best season ever with a championship victory in front of family, friends, Portland State students and Viking fans.

Freshman Jesse Fassler and junior Kevin Maner were among the many faithful Vikings who cheered on Portland State. Many came dressed in green, black and white. Some had painted their faces or donned vintage Viking garb as they fought for air-time from the ESPN cameras.

“This is what college sports are all about,” Fassler said, “this is amazing, the opportunity to get to the Big Dance.”

Fassler and others represented the often underrepresented Portland State student body with emphatic cheers, heckling of the officials and jeering of the opponents.

“The intensity is better at the Stott,” Fassler said, “but being here in this big game is awesome. More people should come out and enjoy this.”

While the end of the game was the likely finale for most of these fans’ support this season, as the Vikings may head as far as the East Coast to compete in the NCAA Tournament, the victory perhaps signaled the beginning of a new era for Viking faithful.

“It will be great to celebrate the first of many conference championships tonight,” Fassler said.

Still room for growth

2005 Big Sky Tournament semifinal vs. Weber State Attendance: 4,320Site: Memorial Coliseum

2008 Big Sky Tournament semifinal vs. Idaho StateAttendance: 3,188Site: Rose Garden

2008 Big Sky Tournament Championship vs. Northern ArizonaAttendance: 4,113Site: Rose Garden