The men’s basketball program has faced nothing short of an unpredictable series of events since their impressive accomplishments in the 2024-25 season.
After unexpectedly landing themselves in the final, the men’s basketball team snagged the SOCON championship title in an intense game against Wofford’s longtime athletic rival, Furman University. The Terriers then found themselves in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2019. Although Wofford fell to their first-round opponent, Tennessee, their appearance in the NCAA tournament revived the sense of pride for the program.
Wofford’s success at the SOCON championship game in Asheville was undoubtedly fueled by the overwhelming amount of fans in attendance and the energy that spewed from the student section. This outpour of school spirit is what made the events that followed all the more disheartening and worrisome.
After Wofford’s March Madness appearance, the men’s team was left with very few returning players, as most either graduated or entered the transfer portal in the spring. However, former Head Coach Dwight Perry was quick to recruit an entirely new team before the fall semester began.
Yet, the Terrier’s troubles did not end here. After a brief controversy over student housing for these new players, Perry was let go. This event again pulled Wofford basketball into an uncomfortable spotlight and left the rebuilt roster without a leader.
Now, the Wofford team is fully refurbished with the hiring of Head Coach Kevin Giltner ‘12. Giltner, a Wofford Basketball alum himself, has seen great success both as a player and as an assistant coach at Virginia Tech.
It seems the team’s work may not be over. With school spirit and confidence left slightly shaken by the uncertainty since March Madness, the basketball program’s next hurdle is rebuilding student support before the upcoming season.
On Thursday, Oct. 23rd, the team took a leap in this direction, hosting the first-ever “Old Main Madness,” on the seal in the heart of Wofford’s campus. This event featured a DJ, emcee, dance and cheer performances, food trucks, giveaways and interactive games with the men’s and women’s basketball teams.
In an inspiring opening remark, Giltner expressed his hopes for the upcoming season, most notably urging students to support the Terriers at as many home games as possible.
“We need you guys to be everyday fans,” Giltner said when addressing the students and local fans at Old Main Madness.
Giltner pointed out that the college has one of the nicest basketball arenas in the country that is within walking distance for the majority of students, leaving little reason to not have attendance similar to that at the SOCON tournament for every regular season game. He too, seemed to believe that the cheers from fans were integral to the team’s success in the SOCON tournament last year, and their support could be the missing piece to another great season.
Old Main Madness was a great chance for fans to see the energy of the new players and coaching staff. This event, like Wofford basketball games, was incredibly accessible and almost difficult for students on their way to Burwell or the library to avoid.
Caroline Gargano ‘26 was one of the many students to attend.
“After that event, I’m feeling energized and excited for the season,” Gargano said, “You can tell the team is super excited to be here.”
It seems like the men’s team has the power to create the narrative for their season, with no remnants of the past season besides their fan base.
The men’s and women’s non-conference schedules both feature six home games in the Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium throughout November and December. Longtime fans and curious minds alike are surely eager to see what the new season brings, especially after such a tumultuous recent course for the men’s team.
