Wichita State’s unexpected hardwood romp through the NCAA tournament — the Shockers are in the Final Four for the first time since 1965 — has brought scores of new fans to root them on, especially in these parts.
Few, however, can match the vigor exhibited by Ryker Curry, son of Iolans Heath and Heather Curry.
The McKinley Elementary School third-grader has been a life-long, die-hard Shocker fan, to the point that he confidently predicted WSU’s success before the tournament began.
“He has them winning the whole thing in his bracket,” his father said. “I picked them, too, but that was because I just wouldn’t feel right picking against them. He picked them because he thinks they’ll win.”
Such a feat would be remarkable — few “mid-major” squads even reach the Final Four, much less win it — for everyone but Curry, who believes the Shockers’ tough-nosed defense and team-first approach have them primed for two more victories and an NCAA title.
“I just like the whole team,” he said.
Wichita State’s traditional claim to athletic excellence more often than not has been tied to the baseball diamond. The school has earned a berth in the NCAA College World Series seven times, most recently in 1996.
The Currys carry a special affinity for the Shockers in all athletics. Both Heath and Heather are WSU alums. The family has taken in dozens of games, be they basketball or baseball.
The Currys ventured to St. Louis in March to watch the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, where WSU took second place behind Creighton.
Watching the Shockers has become a ritual for young Curry.
He dons his lucky WSU garb — shorts, cap, necklace and any number of black and gold shirts — shortly before tip-off.
Game time can be tense.
“He’s a pacer,” Heath said with a laugh. “He gets pretty excited.”
Wichita State’s victory over Ohio State Sunday to earn the Final Four berth brought quite a commotion, inside and outside the home.
“We got all kinds of emails and texts from people,” Heath said.
Curry also has convinced a few of his classmates to root on the Shockers, who take on Louisville Saturday afternoon in a national semifinal game in Atlanta. The winner advances to the title game Monday evening in the Georgia Dome.
“They say they’re fans now,” he said. “I’m not so sure.”
Wichita State success no ‘Shocker’ for local diehard
