Over the weekend I attended the Ohio University basketball game against Valparaiso Indiana, and as an alumna of a MAC school (Bowling Green State University), I was SHOCKED by the amount of unsportsmanlike behavior from the students’ fan and band sections.
It is one thing to passionately support your team, it is one thing to disagree with a referee, but cheering chants of “you suck (opposing team member’s name)” or telling the referees they are ignorant?
I might not be much of a sports fan, but I expected a little bit more professionalism from the students of a school that has a long-standing tradition and history of excellence in so many fields.
OU, you are better than that! You do not have to cheer for the other team, but remember the game is supposed to be fun. Sure, other schools might do similar things, but to paraphrase a piece of wisdom I am sure your mentor mentioned once or twice: If another school jumped off a bridge would you expect yours to, too?
Jennifer Dietsch is an alumna of Bowling Green State University.
