CHRISTOPHER WALSH: Don't miss 'other' events

When the University of Alabama men’s basketball team hosted Ole Miss last week, there was a whole lot of red seen at Coleman Coliseum, though not all of it the kind the Crimson Tide wanted.

In this case, it was from empty seats, which were in abundance, especially in the student section. Alabama won, 76-67, but considering the game wasn’t on television, the opponent wasn’t exactly a marquee SEC opponent, and right now the Tide has to be considered a question mark to receive a postseason invitation, the lack of a sellout wasn’t unexpected.

Still, the announced crowd of 9,230 (which appeared generous), could only be described as disappointing.

Yes, Alabama fans are fickle, which is hardly a news flash. With things like the massive renovation of the athletic facilities and the hiring of a name coach to head the football program, they expect/demand to see results.

When they do get behind something, watch out. The numerous examples include last year’s sellout-plus crowd at Bryant-Denny Stadium for A-Day, this year’s sellout of season-ticket packages in softball and the massive audiences at gymnastics meets.

What’s too bad is that there are other worthwhile things to check as well, which are being missed by so many, like volleyball and the matches at the Alabama Tennis Center.

For example, take the 2008 SEC Swimming & Diving Championships on campus this week at the Aquatics Center. Attendance has been good and the event is sold out (no sign of scalpers yet). But seriously, how many of you even know where the Aquatics Center is?

(Hint: It’s the first building west of the football building along Bryant Drive.)

Alabama isn’t going to win a team championship during the four-day meet, which concludes today. So far, it’s won only one individual title (Aaron Fleshner, 3-meter board).

But have you ever watched a world-class swimmer or diver up close? Have you ever seen how sculpted their bodies are, how they move through water, and how the difference between first place and 40th can be like a second?

Seriously, it’s something you never forget, never mind the records and NCAA qualifying times.

“You’re probably going to see about 40 Olympians in this pool this weekend,” Tide coach Eric McIlquham said. “If you’re someone who enjoys sports and enjoys looking at the best in the world, it’s here.

“You’re going to see some world record holders here, some American record holders, you’re going to see everything, and it’s a very fast pool. You’re going to see a lot happen, there’s going to be some crazy stuff going on.”

He’s biased (and made an accurate prediction), but I’m not.

These are the kinds of gems that fans can really relish, even though no one is throwing a ball or shooting a basket. Even if you missed the swimming, the important thing for this discussion is that you may want to keep your eyes open for what’s next, and that doesn’t necessarily require a championship.

Softball is ranked No. 1 in the nation. Men’s golf is No. 3. Men’s tennis is No. 20. Baseball season is here, and, yes, spring football is right around the corner.

Sure, the focus will be on the gridiron again soon, and the 2008 season is months away from kicking off, but this time of year is like the old Life cereal ads with Mikey: “He won’t eat it, he hates everything.”

Why not try it? You may find you like it.

Christopher Walsh’s column appears Saturdays. He can be reached at christopher.walsh@tuscaloosanews.com or at 205-722-0196.