College sports are about many things. Athleticism, academics, and the drive to win. But there’s much more than that. College athletes and fans need to learn a lot about sportsmanship and common courtesy, things that will help them through the rest of their lives.
Last weekend, I had the privilege of going to the ECAC Division I men’s hockey tournament at the Pepsi Arena in Albany. I got to see both sides of the coin.
On Friday afternoon, Cornell took on Brown in the first semifinal game. Before the game, I had to pick up my press pass and get a seat in press row. Having just sprained my ankle, I was on crutches. Everyone on the way to my seat was great, very helpful, and very courteous. I experienced great hospitality from the people at Pepsi Arena, and I would like to take this chance to thank each and every person who held a door, cleared a railing, lent a helping hand, or guided me on my way.
But the other side reared its ugly head just hours later. Last year, at Lake Placid, I was truly impressed with how dedicated the Cornell fans were. They were loud, numerous, and really got behind their team. This year, though, I saw it in a totally different way.
The second semifinal game was between Harvard and Dartmouth. Many Cornell fans took the opportunity to see some good hockey and stuck around to watch the game. Harvard quickly scored four goals on Dartmouth goalie Nick Boucher. Boucher was removed from the game, and went straight into the locker room. When Boucher reluctantly returned to the bench, the cameras put him on the big screen, and Cornell fans started chanting “Fail-ure, fail-ure.”
I can understand wanting to be heard, but this was absurd to me. This wasn’t even their game, and to call a player a failure is not acceptable.
In the finals against Harvard, the fans were even more numerous and even more rowdy. More times than chanting for their team, they chanted “Harvard sucks.”
I feel that if you’re going to attend an event, you should stay positive. I know that the rivalry between Harvard and Cornell is analogous to RPI’s rivalry with Clarkson, but when the Golden Knights come to town, the RPI fans spend much more time cheering on Rensselaer than jeering Clarkson.
The Crimson were much more appropriate. Their fans, although fewer in number, didn’t get down on the Big Red nearly as much as they rooted for their own squad. After the game, both the Harvard coach and players were also positive. They appreciated the fans that were there, and instead of insulting the fans, they pointed out that it was “fun to silence them,” and that Cornell’s jeers were “just noise.”
I think that the world needs more people who are willing to disregard insults as “just noise.” There also need to be more fans who cheer on their own team rather than insulting the other school, players, or fans.
