April 4, 2008

Dear UMass Fans,

I want to personally thank all of the passionate UMass fans who have supported our basketball program this season. It means so much to me and our players that thousands of you made the trips down to New York City during our run to the NIT Championship game.

You, the fans, were a driving force behind our success all season long and especially in the NIT. I know our players have said, they love the UMass fans, and I echo their sentiments. The UMass fans have shown tremendous energy and enthusiasm which really motivates the team. You are our sixth man and you really made a difference.

I look forward to next season and seeing all of you pack the Mullins Center to support what is sure to be, once again, a high-energy up-tempo team. It was great to see you all standing, cheering and chanting at the games in Madison Square Garden, and I would love to have the same enthusiasm at the Mullins Center. We want to make Mullins an intimidating place for our opponents to come to and you have so much to do with that by showing your fervent support for UMass basketball.

Again, I want to thank you the fans for standing behind our team and rooting our players on. I can't underscore how meaningful it is to our players to see that sea of maroon with signs, painted faces and cheers. Your passion is tremendous. That is what I think of when I think of UMass basketball.

I look forward to seeing that energy and enthusiasm at Mullins next season.

Thank you and Go UMass!

Travis Ford