When I was in high school and we made the playoffs, even though it was an annual thing, the stands were still packed. So much so, that the band had to sit in homemade bleachers in the end zone!
Fast forward to the playoff game at the school where I work and the student/home side was fairly empty. I think all the people there were parents and teachers. Most of the parents were there because it was senior night, I would wager.
Looking across the field and the team we played literally brought the entire town with them. Apparently, this is the first time in the entire 60+ years of the school's existence that they've had a winning season, let alone a playoff appearance, so its a big deal for them.
Initially, I didn't think much of it, until I saw tome of the highlights on TV last night, and our side looked barren, whereas the visitor/press box side was standing room only. Not exactly a good impression to show.
Making things worse, the few people that were there just seemed to be there. There was no excitement or anything. Maybe I'm just a bit old fashioned, but seems to me if you're going to pay money to come to a game, especially a playoff game, then you need to at least show some kind of enthusiasm, not sit on your hands, regardless of how cold it may be (54 degrees by the end of the game).
I know that you may be saying, "what about the cheerleaders?" Well, honestly, they seem to have 2 or 3 cheers that they do the whole game, and don't really interact too much with the fans. If you've ever seen those cheerleading movies where they're stuck up and self absorbed, that's what these girls are, except they have no reason to be. They aren't that good and don't go to any national competitions...or any, for that matter.
I'm not the only one that noticed. One of the band parents, who is growing more and more frustrated with the school in general, was very vocal (including a expletive laden rant at the crowd using boss lady's megaphone) in her attempt to wake them up, but to no avail. Luckily, the team still won, despite the dead, almost non-existent crowd. They're talking dome (championship is held in the Superdome), but if no one shows up to home game, how cane they be expected to show up at the championship (if they make it)?
Hopefully, next week will have a bigger, more enthusiastic turnout, and I'm sure the principal and the coaches will have a few words to say about the lack of fans at the game.
Launch party
5 years ago
2 comments:
I'm sad to see that at our games too--both basketball and football--It's not like it used to be when I was a teen. We have a lot of kids, but nowhere near what it should be. I remember that it was a blast going to the games as a student. Nowadays, kids don't go anymore and that is sad--but a lot of kids are working now too.
On the other hand, school spirit and attendance at these things are a direct result of the staff's attitude. I can say that our principal (new and old) were incredibly supportive and encouraging of the parents, teachers, and students of having school spirit. It flows downward and you really have to cram it down these kids throats these days by happy, positive, and motivating daily announcements, pep rallies, and personal attendance at such events. You need to encourage your staff, school board, administrators, and such to go to each and every game--both home AND away! It makes a HUGE difference to the kids and parents when they see the staff at events. Heck, we had administrators show up at the Jr. High visits (we travel to perform at the Jr. Highs) with our band and they were as impressed with the parents showing up as we were with them. It goes hand and hand.
the high school got a new principal this year, and fromn what I can tell he's not one of those former jock principals, but rather one of those guys that's just a principal, but he dos show up at the games.
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