Not All Fans Misbehave
[This letter is in response to a letter to the editor in the Summer 2004 issue of this magazine.]
The writer is apparently a parent and an educator, yet broad generalizations and judgments are made regarding an entire group based upon the behavior of a few. If that is the type of direction provided, it is no surprise that the writer's family would be unlikely to attend another WVU game. Although reference was made to President Hardesty's discussion on ways to strengthen WVU, the letter was definitely lacking President Hardesty's constructive tone and pride in our school.
The event was held at UC and the behavior described should have resulted in removal from the stadium. As a graduate of WVU and a resident of Cincinnati since 1994, I have attended UC events and have been "appalled" by some of the behavior of the UC fans, students, and coaches-not to mention UC's token "disciplinary actions" against members of the faculty. Despite my poor opinion of these events, it would be quite a leap to lump all Bearcats into the same mold. It should be unacceptable to allow drunk and disorderly fans to tarnish sports events, regardless of which team they champion. Unfortunately, drunk and disorderly fans can be found supporting any team you choose to name.
The letter gives the impression that all of the WVU fans were inappropriate in their behavior, which is very discriminatory to the majority of WVU fans who are not. The comment about the WVU 1970's model of drinking at sports events says volumes about the choices the writer made as a student-I attended WVU during that era and there were many students that loved football and managed to enjoy the game without drinking, smoking pot, or being rude to those around us.
Lola Burchett, '76 BS
Loveland, OH