Amid Friday’s crowd of about 150 people outside Beardshear Hall protesting against Athletics Director Bruce Van De Velde’s decision to suspend head basketball coach Larry Eustachy, one stood out against the rest.

Amanda Hjelmeland, freshman in pre-advertising, was the lone person to defend Van De Velde’s decision.

Holding a sign that stated, “We won’t be intimidated. Do what’s best for the university: Fire Eustachy!” she stood her ground.

“What he did was wrong, and you know it,” Hjelmeland fired back at protesters asking her whether she was from Missouri. “He made more than one mistake.”

She told the Daily that she had seen other people tear down flyers that called for the reinstatement of Eustachy as coach. “I know I’m not alone,” Hjelmeland said.

Tim Barnes, a junior guard, watched as the crowd heckled Hjelmeland, and said he felt sorry for her.

“She’s the only one standing there, just trying to voice her opinion like everyone else,” he said. “It’s hard to voice your opinion.

“But when you hurt the feelings of someone else, man, I don’t know.”

ISU senior running back Hiawatha Rutland led the crowd in pro-Eustachy chants through a bullhorn. He said he came to the protest to voice his opinion, as a student-athlete, on the Eustachy situation.

“These guys are my friends,” he said, gesturing to basketball players Jared Homan and Tim Barnes. “They invited me to come out and show my support for Coach Eustachy.

“I don’t know if it looks bad for me to be out here today,” he added. “It’s my right as an American to come out and stand up for what I believe in, and I shouldn’t be denied that right because I’m an athlete.”

Other students, displaying signs, said they believed Van De Velde’s decision has caused embarrassment to the university.

“Bruce Van De Velde made a big joke out of our program,” said Brant Allen, senior in advertising. “I think everybody should be questioning Bruce Van De Velde right now.”

Thomas Hill, vice president for Student Affairs, stood on the edge of the crowd and watched with Dean of Students Pete Englin. Hill said it was great that students were out expressing themselves, but that it was it was unfortunate that Eustachy’s and assistant coach Steve Barnes’ suspension this week had brought national attention to Iowa State.

“We don’t want to be known for controversy,” Hill said.