Emerson currently has two teams that are undefeated in their league and who have dominated opponents throughout the beginning of the spring season. Players on the softball and men’s tennis teams are not only standouts at this college, but in the 13-team Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) as well.

Three players from the softball team have already been recognized by the GNAC as players of the week and by the GNAC honor roll, while the tennis team is on its way to winning a third conference title in as many years.

One would hope that teams of this caliber would garner massive support from their college community, as they certainly deserve it. Yet Emerson sporting events still do not collect nearly as many spectators as they should. The stands are usually only speckled with the occassional parent, significant other and athletic director.

The softball team played its first five games at Rotch Field in the South End and will finish the season on Boston Common. Both are within walking distance; the field on the Common is a stone’s throw away. It is visible from upper floors in the Little Building. The tennis team plays at the Boston Athletic Club in South Boston.

A spectator at any Northeastern University women’s hockey game this past season would see Matthews Arena filled, even though the team finished at a paltry 8-24-1. The same could be said for the Boston University men’s basketball team, which finished 12-16, yet packed the house every night.

The problem is not that Emerson does not put enough care and effort into its athletic teams. Emerson is a Division III program, and it is treated as such. If you venture over to Emmanuel, Suffolk or Pine Manor, you will see the same thing: a few students and parents huddled around watching the game. They are Division III teams and will never gain the spectatorship of Harvard or Boston College teams.

Since Emerson does not foresee itself moving up in divisions in the near future, the teams will have to make do with undefeated records and conference championships.

What a pity there are so few fans to truly appreciate their efforts.