Storm Brewing Over Hoop Seats
BY LIZ GOFF

Fans of the St. John's University Red Storm basketball team are hopping mad over the school's decision to seat season ticket holders based on the amount of their donations to the school.

Faithful fans said the team's mediocre performance over the past few years makes the plan even harder to stomach.

St. John's University graduate Michael Tarpey, 37, said the plan is a "slap in the face" to fans who have remained faithful to the Red Storm, despite its mediocre performance over the past few years.

Tarpey said he inherited his love of college basketball from his father, a Red Storm season ticket holder, who took Tarpey to his first game when he was eight years old.

"This is a horrible way to repay fans who have been there for the team through good and bad," Tarpey said. "How do I tell my son we can't sit as close to the court as someone who donates a lot of money to the college? How do I explain that backing the team, regardless of their win-loss record, means nothing to these people?

College sources said the plan is a business decision designed to stimulate increased contributions from season ticket holders.

"That's nice," Tarpey said. "I'll tell my sons that the seats up front are only for people with deep pockets."

St. John's officials said similar plans have actually helped improve the performance of teams at other colleges.

"Increased funds can be used for equipment, court and locker room improvements and other items that improve team morale and performance," the spokesperson said.