Apathy.

That's the word Dip Metress used to describe the view of the Augusta State University community toward its athletic programs when he took over as head coach of the basketball program four years ago.

But on Sunday afternoon, after landing at Augusta Regional Airport, when an exhausted Jaguars squad visited Forest Hills Golf Club for a celebration of its run through the Division II Tournament, Mr. Metress couldn't believe what he saw: a dining area packed with more than 200 fans who braved a cold, rainy day.

"There are more people here than at the first game I coached here four years ago," he said. "I'm happy for our players. They put in the hard work, and they deserve everything."

The popular sentiment was one of pride at the home team's accomplishments.

"These guys went out there with their hearts," said Judy Cooke, who left her position in the president's office for a few days to travel to Springfield, Mass., with her husband to see the Jaguars in the Elite Eight.

"For us to be where we were, with the strength that they had, I mean we were among the best," she said.

The contingent was diverse; fans young and old, students, faculty and just people caught up in the excitement honored the team's return home.

Senior Jamie Quarles said he and his teammates felt a little like heroes when they walked in to loud applause and chants of "ASU."

Asked if he had chills or was fighting back tears, he admitted "it was a little of both."

Matt Miklas, of Evans, a sophomore at Augusta State, has been an ardent follower of the team since he began studying at the school.

He said he watched all three Elite Eight games at the student activity center.

His assessment of the team's run through the tournament?

"Exciting. Incredible," Mr. Miklas said.

For Jean Bowles, of Augusta, the popular opinion she heard was that, if she didn't attend the South Atlantic Regional final game against Clayton State, and the team lost, she would miss seeing the best team ever to play at Augusta State.

So she decided to attend, and she was there for the celebration Sunday.

"I thought, 'If it's that good, I'm going,' " Mrs. Bowles said. "When I saw them, I was thrilled. I haven't had that much fun in years."

Reach Justin Williams at (706) 823-3304 or justin.williams@augustachronicle.com.