The votes are in and Valparaiso University’s student section, the Valparaizone, has advanced to the semifinal round of the second annual Naismith Student Section of the Year Award contest.  Beginning with a total of 158 participating institutions, the contest now enters the semifinal round with only 16 institutions eligible to take home the top prize.  As one of the top college basketball student sections in the country, Valpo is asking for fan support to help win the prestigious title.  Crusader fans will now have a say in determining the most deserving student section by voting for the Naismith Student Section of the Year Award.

How to Cast a Semifinal Round Vote

By visiting www.facebook.com/ILoveCollegeHoops, Valparaiso fans can vote for the Valparaizone as the top student section in college basketball.  Semifinal round voting, which has been reset to zero for the 16 semifinalists, is open now through Feb. 22, 2013.  Fans can vote once per day.

The top eight recipients from the semifinal round of public votes will be sent to the Naismith Awards Board of Selectors for a final vote.  The Naismith Awards Board of Selectors will review criteria such as the student section’s name and attendance, the total fan vote, as well as photos, video, and a write-up submitted by the nominating school which will aid in determine the winning student section.   Complete details on the selection process can be found at facebook.com/ilovecollegehoops.

The winning student section gets bragging rights, while the winning institution will receive $10,000 to be used in its general scholarship fund. The Valparaizone finished seventh in the first round of voting and was the top-ranked Horizon League student section, earning a $250 donation to Valparaiso’s general scholarship fund.