Among the Cal Poly fans scattered throughout the stands in Lee’s Family Forum, one group stood out the most—the parents behind the bench, easily the loudest voices in the arena as they cheered on their sons in the green and gold.
There was Isaac Jessup’s dad, popping up after every three. Mac Riniker’s mom, quick with encouragement after a tough foul. Cayden Ward’s parents led the charge with steady applause, while the families of Aaron Price Jr., Jarred Hyder and Owen Koonce added their bursts of energy—urging defensive stops and celebrating every hustle play like it was March Madness.
Their unified presence formed a powerful support system, each parent bringing energy and encouragement as they watched their sons fight to keep the season alive and chase a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
The bond they share supports their children and serves as a catalyst for the team’s spirit, proving that the backing of loved ones is an integral part of the Mustangs’ success.
“It’s a huge thing to always show up for your kids,” Wesley Jessup, father of Isaac Jessup, said.
From San Luis Obispo to Henderson, Nev., the journey was long, but for certain Cal Poly supporters, it was never a question of if they would make the trip.
They had been there all season, filling the stands at Mott Athletics Center. Now, as the Mustangs fought in the Big West Championships in Lee’s Family Forum, they were there once again. They proved that distance was no obstacle when it came to supporting their team.
Cal Poly’s transformation from a struggling team last season to a playoff contender this year ignited excitement. Families traveled countless miles and spent hours in the stands, making every moment valuable.
For these families, the miles traveled and the hours spent in the stands have all been worth it. This wasn’t just about basketball. It was about celebrating years of dedication, sacrifice and love for the game.
For Cal Poly’s seniors, every game this season carried extra weight. Each moment on the court brought them closer to the end of their collegiate careers, making the presence of their biggest supporters—their parents—more meaningful than ever.
With under two minutes remaining and the game and season slipping out of reach, head coach Mike DeGeorge pulled the seniors from the floor.
The crowd rose to its feet in appreciation, cheering as the players embraced teammates and coaches. For some, tears flowed as the reality set in that this was the final time they’d wear the green and gold.
As the seniors stepped off the court for the final time, they did so knowing their biggest supporters had been there from start to finish.
Koonce’s father has constantly been present throughout his basketball journey. From the time Koonce first started playing sports at the age of six to his final games in a Cal Poly jersey. His dad has been there, traveling to every game of his career, cheering from the stands and supporting him every step of the way.
Riniker’s parents, Lisa and Wade Rinker, who live in Colorado, have tried to make as many games as possible to support their son despite the distance.
They made every game in November, which was the beginning of the season. They were also there to witness the season’s final stretch, rallying behind Riniker and the team as they fought to secure their spot in the postseason.
“We always stream the games that we cannot be at,” Lisa said. “We never miss one.”
“I was on a 100% streak until COVID,” said Nathan Koonce, father of Owen Koonce. “I missed three games during COVID because of COVID.”
Nathan emphasized the importance of being there for his son, no matter where the game took him. With a remote job that allows him to work from anywhere, he’s been able to balance his career while traveling to support Owen.
Whether it was a midweek road game or a tournament run, he prioritized showing up, knowing how much it meant to him as a father to show up for his son.
Hyder’s support system mirrored the same unfaltering commitment that Koonce’s father showed.
Hyder had unwavering support from his family. His parents, siblings and relatives cheered him on from the stands as he stepped on the court for the final time in his college career.
“I’m so blessed to have them by my side, especially with all the ups and downs through this college career,” Hyder said.
Hyder has endured multiple season-ending injuries throughout his career, facing setbacks that could have easily derailed his journey. But through every challenge, his family has remained steadfast, showing up for him no matter what. “All of them just continue to stick by me and support me, and that’s all I can ask of them.”
Owen’s girlfriend, Cassidy Cheesman, shared how the team’s support extends beyond family. She and others have made a special effort to be there for three of Cal Poly’s international players, knowing their families are thousands of miles away.
Cal Poly men’s basketball is home to three international players: freshman guard Peter Bandelj from Ljubljana, Slovenia; redshirt freshman Guzman Vasilic from Montevideo, Uruguay; and junior guard Luka Tarlac from Belgrade, Serbia. They all joined Cal Poly this season.
“We try to support Peter and Luka as much as we can,” Cheesman said.
Being surrounded by familiar faces at every game, the parents and support behind these players have created a bond that goes beyond just cheering from the stands.
“We have a really special bond with the Cal Poly parents that come out,” Lisa Riniker said.
Despite the 98-76 loss in the semifinals against UC Irvine, the parents of these players stood by their kids with unwavering support every step of the way.
Their loud cheers and constant encouragement reminded the Mustangs that no matter the outcome, they had a community backing them. Parents and supporters were proud of their hard work and dedication all season long.
