To the editor:

As the Wichita State University basketball team continues its winning streak, there is not much enthusiasm around the state for the Shockers. Nor was there much when they went to the finals last year. It seems as if it ends at the Sedgwick County line and can’t go any further, like a mime caught in a box he can’t escape from.

It’s understandable that the national media ignores WSU, but for places like Lawrence, Topeka or Kansas City to do likewise, that is troubling. After all, this is a Kansas team, and their efforts should be lauded. And yet, other than here in Wichita, everyone knows and understands that is not going to happen.

Mainly that is because the Kansas Jayhawks are the big draw when it comes to basketball. But this year they aren’t doing so well, and that was painfully clear in their game against Oklahoma State.

As the Shockers continue to win, things won’t change much, nor will attitudes. And should they win the national championship this year, will that even change things? No, probably not, but it should, for WSU and the Shockers basketball team and their coach deserve the respect that they are due.