See story at the Daily News web site
by Rob Herbst, Bowling Green Daily News
Who could say ‘no’ to Western Kentucky football players?
Not Ken Stovall, who was greeted Tuesday by a pair of Hilltoppers who were canvassing neighborhoods and going door-to-door trying to sell $25 season tickets.
“My wife (Debbie) answered the door and said, ‘Honey, come here.’ When I walked in ... oh my God. I didn’t realize how big they were,” Ken Stovall joked. “They didn’t grow them that tall when I was there. But they were neat kids.”
Even though the Stovalls might have been awed by the Hilltoppers’ size, the players didn’t need to give a hard sell.
Like many in their neighborhood, the Stovalls took a brochure and proclaimed they would buy season tickets.
“You want to be a part of the community as much as possible,” Ken Stovall said. “We’ve been listening and we’ve been excited about the stadium (upgrades) and supporting Western as much as we can. When (the players) came around, we felt that was pretty neat.”
It’s the second year the Hilltoppers have gone door-to-door attempting to drum up interest in season-ticket sales.
Last year, the Hilltoppers sold 380 season tickets on the streets. They’ll try to top that number when they conclude their neighborhood sales Thursday.
“We want fans in there,” punter Jeremy Moore said. “That’s our whole motivation. It’s so much more enjoyable to play in front of a packed house. It’s so much better to have a ton of people out there supporting you.”
Some, like the Stovalls, take a mail-order form to send in.
Others make their commitment immediately by calling a number handed to them by the players. According to WKU officials, the school received 60 order calls last night.
It does take the Hilltoppers out of their element from the field to a public-speaking role, but Moore said most people have been receptive to the Hilltoppers’ efforts.
“You’ve got to be brave,” Moore said. “That’s the hardest part - going up there and starting a conversation. You feel out of place, you feel embarrassed. But if you can get the nerve up there to start a conversation, usually it’ll be just fine.”
And some do appreciate the efforts the Hilltoppers are making.
“It (puts a face on the program),” said Jonathan Britt, who expressed interest in buying season tickets but wanted to consult his wife before making a decision.
“I can remember just before I came to Western, the football program was almost dead. Now to see it is as rejuvenated and upbeat, it makes you proud to be an alum.”
There are some pitfalls and rejections the Hilltoppers have to accept.
Although it was tame Tuesday, offensive lineman Mychal Patterson said last year’s jaunt through the neighborhood included one adventure. Not everybody - or everything - can be intimidated by a Hilltopper.
“Last year, we got chased by dogs two times and they did not give up,” Patterson joked. “They chased us right onto the bus.”
The worst part?
“I didn’t even get the sale,” Patterson said. “The lady said, ‘No, not interested.’ I turned around and hear those dogs coming at me.”
Still, the overall effort made this week is worth it come fall at Houchens-Smith Stadium.
“The more people we have there, the better we play,” Patterson said. “Everybody likes to show off now and then.”
