FanSpeak 1/16/05

Sapping the enthusiasm

NOW THAT I think about the Jackson-Poplar Bluff boys basketball game on Jan. 7, I realize the principals were the reason for our loss. Enthusiasm and energy ran through the student body of Jackson. They had fought the cold for almost two hours to cheer their friends on. The Indians led in the first quarter, knowing some people really cared about them. The principals contributed to the beginning of the downfall. They told the student body to be seated for the others behind them to see. They should have been standing up to show their support for Jackson, too. One of the students refused to let down on cheering them and was kicked out because of it. This was a major disgrace to Jackson basketball.

Stifling school spirit

TO THE Jackson High School principals and other authorities: It's hard to gain the respect of your students when you kick their friends out of the game. I was embarrassed that any school official would try and stifle Jackson's amazing school spirit. As an Indiana Hoosier, I can say that cheering for my team is harder when I have to sit down. Telling your own alumnus he can't stand up at the biggest basketball game of the season is disgraceful. Showing pride for his high school basketball team is unforgettably admirable.

Down in front

WE ATTENDED the Jackson-Poplar Bluff boys basketball game at Jackson, and the Jackson students stood up the whole game. People seated behind them couldn't see any of the game. They were asked to sit down but refused and were very inconsiderate and rude. People will remember this when they ask for donations. We will. This shows they haven't been taught much or aren't smart enough to learn.

What a kick

WAY TO go, Matt Hellrich for making the second-team all-state soccer team and Tyson Whiteside for making honorable mention in Class 3, which is for the largest schools in the state. Great job. You earned it.

Where was Charleston?

I WAS just calling to say that I was looking forward to reading FanSpeak on Sunday to see what some of the other fans in the area had to say about the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament, the way that Charleston didn't show up for its trophy, and there wasn't one article on that. I just wonder if the Southeast Missourian decided not to make waves. If I was on the committee, I would vote that Charleston would not be invited back anymore, and I wonder if anyone else felt the same way.

(Reporters who cover Charleston for our media partner, the Sikeston Standard-Democrat, said the team departed for home following the fifth-place game. Trophies were presented later in the evening after the championship game.)

Bad examples abound

MY HEART goes out to parents who are trying to teach their children right from wrong these days. I continue to see laws broken with little or no consequences. We had a perfect opportunity with the two Southern Illinois University basketball players to show that they are expected to be a positive example for our youths and not bully and beat people up as though they are above the law. As long as society treats athletes above the law, they will continue to act that way.

Missing scores

AFTER SPEAKING to a coach, I have learned that it is at the discretion of the Missourian as to the scores posted. I understand that all scores of the Central girls basketball teams were submitted. The ninth-grade won and only allowed the opposing team five points. The junior varsity won by 20. But the only score you printed was the varsity loss. Why not show something positive in addition to the negative? Do the other two teams not deserve to have their wins acknowledged the way the varsity losses are?

(The Southeast Missourian does print scores and some information for levels below varsity when space is available as part of the high school roundup.)