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By Sean McClelland, Staff Writer 1:16 AM Saturday, October 17, 2009

With basketball season approaching, it’s time to wonder why the women’s college game is virtually ignored by area sports fans.

Granted, it’s not the most pressing issue, but the lack of interest in women’s basketball continues to amaze, especially when the girls game at the high school level is such a hit locally.

Sure, the women’s game thrives in only a few pockets of the country, but Dayton really should be one of those. It’s not as if competition for the winter sports dollar is particularly stiff, after all, and isn’t this supposed to be a basketball town?

Recently we learned Wright State’s top women’s player, Boston native Shey Peddy, had transferred to Temple. You could say nobody cares and you probably wouldn’t be far wrong. WSU did not even see fit to announce it. At schools where the sport truly matters, it is customary to issue the standard “so-and-so has left the program, we wish her well” type of release.

Peddy said she left to be closer to home, but it could not have been much fun playing in a virtually empty Nutter Center. And she’s not the first prominent player to bolt that program.

WSU has greater concerns than promoting women’s basketball, of course. Consistent winning might help, but I’m not sure how much. Keeping local talent at home could work, but top players often have better options.

The community largely ignores the ascending University of Dayton women’s program, too. And in what is essentially a college town, that’s a shame.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2408 or smcclelland@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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My sister Pat (Penders) Tolle had some of the same feelings. I went to some of her basketball games back in high school when she was All Jersey Top Tier, and was offered almost nothing for her game. (back in the 70's when women were breaking into the sport, but I see not much has changed). I remember her as a young girl having to practice at 4am in H.S., even when the girls were undefeated All State. She was always one of those pioneers. who went on to coach all Georgia Teams. Proud of her game!

Harry Penders
1:50 PM, 11/14/2009

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Look, your'e not going to shame me into caring about girls basketball, wheelchair basketball, mens volleyball or dog frisbee. My sports plate is full. The participants don't need my attention to derive optimal pleasure and satisfaction from those activities.

Lee from Orlando
9:35 PM, 10/17/2009

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You better believe its NOT.

Eblaze07
4:25 PM, 10/17/2009

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It is a shame that the girls play their hearts out and they get little or no recognition from the Athletic Department or the community. Visiting teams have a larger crowd than WSU. Hopefully something will be done. It is well known that the Men's team is the bread winners per say, but don't discount the other great athletes that the University has to offer.

been it
2:22 PM, 10/17/2009

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Sorry, no one cares.

Joey Votto
8:45 AM, 10/17/2009

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