East sports fans deserve praise

Despite students’ original criticism of Rule 52, which states that “the concept of ‘sportsmanship’ must be taught, modeled, expected and reinforced in the classroom and in all competitive activities,” these guidelines for game nights have slowly but surely made a positive impact on fans of East sports.

The once-rowdy crowd members have figured out how to exercise the appropriate behavior while still bringing the adequate amount of hype to the field this fall season.There are the kids who attend every game, home or away; the tank top wearers in the 40 degree weather; the chant starters who love to “throw their hands up in the air sometimes.” But no longer will you see the “Proud Violator of Rule 52” t-shirts that graced the chests of boisterous seniors two years ago.

This time around, there is no sneering or jeering or commandeering. It seems that, after much defiance, Rule 52 and the enforcement of it by school officials has effectively kept students in check.

Fans of East sports deserve their own round of applause. Their own crowd shouting out “ah yeah, East” to pump them up. Their own fans to serenade them with the school song.

But more than half of the glory goes to the administration for issuing the dictum in the first place.

After seasons full of ridiculous chants against the opposing teams and over-the-top behavior ranging from excessive amounts of baby powder on the basketball court and malicious call-outs to our Rockhurst rivals,  the administration put their foot down and decided to reinforce rules adopted 20 years previously by the Kansas State High School Activities Association’s Board of Directors. Much to the student body’s chagrin at the time, the officials began harshly controlling the unsportsmanlike conduct. It’s clear now that they made a decision to better the experience for fans, players and administrators.

In a day and age at East where you can certifiably become a Lancer Soccer Super Fan through the purchase of a nifty T-shirt, it seems we have rekindled our positive attitude in the bleachers with grace and poise. By wearing a tank top and shouting their lungs dry in the crisp fall air, students have kept it clean and made a name for their team without actually making the team.

Athletic director Jeremy Higgins has seen a prominent change in the behavior of East students at sporting events in the past year alone. The positive vibes that have emanated from the crowd this season have not only made an impact on the players, but the administration as well.

“Their cheering is what it’s meant to be,” Higgins said. “The point of being there is to cheer on the team, not to be in Halloween costumes.”

Administrators can attest to the fact that this has been our best season yet, as far as sports and sportsmanship are concerned. The turn out at games and tournaments this season has been more impressive than ever, and the fans are doing great things that the officials hadn’t seen before, at least in the past few years. Though there have been a few jabs at rival teams here and there, the cheers and chants coming from the lips of East students have been more positive and uplifting than anything else.

So, consider this your pat on the back, East sports fans. And here’s to continuing our true school spirit this winter season.