Longevity, Memories for 19-year Vet

We caught up with 19-year season ticket veteran Lou Seltz to talk about his favorite Wolves memories and the experience as a supporter from day one.

Q: On his background:
A: We’ve had season tickets for 19 years, ever since day one at the Metrodome. Looking at the team starting out 19 years ago to the team that it is now, we really don’t have a name player right now, although (Al) Jefferson is making a name for himself.

Q: On consistency:
A: I miss three or four games a year in the same seats. I use to be a little bit closer behind the net before they reconfigured.

Q: On why the Wolves and not other Minnesota sports franchises:
A: My parents have season tickets to the Twins and Vikings, and I use those when they are out of town. I’ve never really gotten into the Wild or hockey. I’ve always been a basketball fan.

Q: On his favorite Wolves memory:
A: Making it to the Western Conference finals in 2004. I could see this team resembling that team at some point and developing into something special. I think Telfar could be excellent. Walker brings some maturity.

Q: On his all-time favorite Wolf:
A: KG. I think he’s the all-time favorite of anyone that has ever been involved with the organization. He brought enthusiasm every night that spread to the team and its fans. He was a leader. He gave it everything he had. I can’t pinpoint a favorite moment, because they all were great. He’s probably the only Wolves player that left here that will get a standing ovation when he returns on Feb. 8.

Q: On fan appreciation:
A: (The team) appreciate the fans coming out. The current team is working hard. They want to win. They give the ‘high-five’ to some of the young fans as they’re leaving whether they win or lose. The team definitely appreciates the fans. They communicate via e-mail and newsletter so they know we’re there. They do know that we’re supporting them, which is good to know, especially from a season-ticket holder’s perspective.

Q: On his kids:
A: Both of my kids enjoy it. I started bringing my youngest when he was four. Let’s put it this with way: at the age of four, he’d be standing in the aisle next to our seat shouting, “Shoot the damn ball.” He would get the newspaper and take the sports page in the morning and when he was done with it, he’d bring it to me. The kids love it.

Q: On the current team:
A: The fans have to realize that it will take a while to rebuild. Overall, Minnesota has fair-weather fans. If the teams are winning, they are in there supporting them. If they are losing, all they have are bad comments. You have to be in there willing to support the team through rough times and good times. That’s a common bond between us season ticket holders. We’ll be there.

Q: On the Minnesota sports landscape:
A: Unfortunately, sports have become a very expensive form of recreation. A typical family can’t go to a lot of games in any environment. The majority of players realize they are getting good money for what they are doing and give it there all each and every night, and for us fans, especially us season ticket holders, that’s all we can ask for.

Q: On the first-ever game 19 years ago:
Definitely the first game ever at the Metrodome. Seeing the NBA come back to Minnesota was incredible. The Lakers had been gone for a long time. I was 12 when the Lakers left. We went to the occasional game, but we didn’t have season tickets.