Student Sections to Put the "C-L" Back in ClassBY JACOB SONNE ON NOVEMBER 25, 2014
Sportsmanship is becoming a less-valued trait in our world today. Student athletes and those who take part in student sections across the country tend to behave without class. It’s no longer about performing well while also being a good sport. Today, it’s about flare. It’s about performing at the top and then rubbing it in.
No, I am not calling out just Rose on this issue. Last time I checked, Conley wasn’t too classy themselves. I just moved from a school in Texas this summer where sportsmanship was a major problem. Rose is much better about sportsmanship than most schools I have been around, but that does not mean that the issue does not exist . I personally notice the problem among student sections. Student sections and fans in general make games exciting and play a big role in the momentum of the events they attend. The excitement they bring often motivates athletes to “get hype” while out on the field, court, pitch, etc. The student section should show up to support the teams and add energy to the atmosphere as they always do. However, students’ behavior at sporting events can sometimes cross the line by displaying poor sportsmanship. They can destroy a school’s reputation in the community. Nobody wants to send their kids to a school that is represented by a group of punks who constantly use vulgarity in their chants. Nobody wants to be associated with the students who act like children by harassing specific players on opposing teams. Nobody likes a sore winner. So as chants are led, be careful. Think before you harass players or swear as a group, because people are watching. Represent this school the way it should be represented: with class. Now, I understand that being Rampants, we win. A lot. Winners should get bragging rights. After all, they won. It’s fun to let people know that you are the best, but there are lines that should not be crossed. Celebratory chants at the end of big and intense wins are good! All I am saying is do not target individuals or lose your class in the heat of a celebration. Too often I have heard chants from student sections (not the Rowdie Rampants) where they call out the name of the star player on the opposing team in a taunting manner. Don’t let our section stoop down to that level. Let’s be careful of what we say when we chant. Do not use vulgar language. Do not harass individuals. Be good sports. Win, but win with class. After we beat Conley next time, how about we chant “Good game Vikings!” as the final horn sounds. Then we can celebrate our victory. So, we will be thoughtful of what we represent while we cheer on our Rampants. We will win and let it be known. We will take pride in the wonderful colors of blue and green we wear on our chests. We will be loud. We will be Rowdie. We will be Rampants. |
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