There is no denying the fact that RPI lacks school sprit, and sadly, the powers that be meant to keep it that way. Despite all the public support for Go Be Red! and the cries for school spirit at sporting events from various levels throughout the administration, there is an underground movement to control, and even at times, dampen the energy of an already largely lethargic student body.
All year at hockey games, Public Safety officers have been actively trying to destroy any atmosphere created through the rambunctious but harmless activities of the Rensselaer fans. I support the officers’ efforts in trying to make the environment enjoyable for everyone, just not for the other team.
At Saturday night’s Big Red Freakout!, one of the few events all year where RPI actually generates a significant amount of school spirit, Public Safety again tried to extinguish any flame within the Rensselaer student body. They asked us to sit down. No one threw anything, no one banged on the glass, no one even touched the glass. No, everyone just stood. The fans of Section 33 and eventually 44 and 22 all rose to their feet for the duration of the contest.
This behavior, however, was disruptive, and had to be stopped. Public Safety ordered the section to return to their seats. Apparently, this year the Field House established new rules: no smoking, no swearing, and now no standing. Inside sources have told me next year “no screaming ‘Let’s Go Red” will be added to this list. Fortunately, you will still be allowed to cheer for the other team. But I digress.
The Public Safety officer demanded the fans in the lower sections return to their seats so people behind them could see. You mean the apathetic RPI student/fan in the back sections would actually haveto stand to see the game? That’s a shame, for they missed a good one.
The individuals in the Field House’s lower student section literally and figuratively stood up authorities and apathetic RPI fans Saturday. They remained on their feet for the duration of the game.
This was just an effort by those fans to show the support for their team. At Cornell the entire stadium remains standing at every game for the entire game. Is it really that difficult for RPI to accomplish this, or even allow it for Freakout!?
The establishment must stop hampering the development of a new Field House atmosphere and the rest of the RPI students need to join the movement - one similar to Cornell’s Lynah Rink. Senior captain Kirk MacDonald, who is out this season on a medical waiver, said playing at Cornell is very intimidating. It would be nice if the Big Red felt a little smaller before coming to the Field House, or if the Brown Bears left feeling more like Cubs. After all, that would create an environment everyone could enjoy. Everyone, that is, except the opponents.
