fansspeak 4/7/02

Sharing the blame

WHY IN the world wouldn't those bars in College Park, Md., and Bloomington, Ind., keep a closer eye on their patrons before they let them get drunk enough to go out and get violent after the basketball game? It's just common sense. I blame the kids for doing it and the bar owners and bartenders for keeping a cold beer in their hands all night.

Proud of Central teams

I WOULD Just like to say that I think the Central boys and girls track teams at the ninth and 10th grade track meet Tuesday night at North County just did a wonderful job. They both won, so they swept the meet. I just want to say congratulations to them and even though it was cold and rainy, they kept their spirits up and appeared to be having a great time. You guys are terrific.

Women's team ignored

LAST WEEK in the Southeast Missourian, Marty Mishow goes on and on about what's wrong with the women's basketball program. He complains about the fact that there is nobody in the stands during the games. Well, part of that problem is due to the booster club and due to Southeast itself. Southeast has always grandstanded the men's team. When you buy season tickets for the men's games, they give out really nice, fancy tickets with the team pictures on them. Those who bought women's tickets get little tickets like you'd get at a carnival. Also, look at what the booster club does. When they have doubleheaders, the boosters had meals held during the women's game. Southeast doesn't play up the women's games. The booster clubs don't support it. It's ridiculous. It's blatantly unfair to the girls.

Warm and fuzzies

Thanks for the story on Jay Heddell. I've never been to a track meet, but seeing a story like that is inspiring. Ihope our area's young athletes read that to see what you can do if you're motiviated to succeed at your sport.

Eads was overlooked

WHAT A surprise and disappointment it was to read the newspaper and find a new head coach for the Otahkians was on his way to Cape for a news conference. I wonder if those in this program were informed before this, or if they learned of the news just like the rest of us. Everyone who has the privilege to know Alan Eads has to be a little saddened by this choice of a replacement. Eads should have been given the opportunity to show his style of coaching for the next three years. He has been an excellent assistant coach. Anyone who knows Southeast's athletic department knows the most qualified person is not usually given the promotion. Maybe Southeast should look for a new face for the position of athletic director.

Negative fun

I'M SADDENED and just a little disappointed that I never saw any men sitting in the stands at an Indiana basketball game with a shirt that said "Hoosier daddy." No creativity. Maybe next year.

All-state debate

REGARDING THE all-state process being unfair, I can understand how some might feel that way. I also believe the Millham girls at Notre Dame are excellent ball players. I do object to that fact that the caller stated girls were nominated because they played weaker schools. Notre Dame is an all-around balanced strong team. Think about some of the other 2A schools Notre Dame has played in this area. These teams on average have one player that is very good and that one player usually plays the entire season being double-teamed and triple-teamed. Think back to when that team played Notre Dame: Did that person still score in double figures and keep close to her season stats? If he or she can do that against Notre Dame then she must be an above-average player. The only person I see on the Notre Dame team that doesn't get recognition is their point guard, Courtney Vickery. She is key to that offense.

Well-deserved coverage

GREAT JOB having two pictures from the April Fool's Invitational track meet. These participants put in so much practice time and get so little recognition. Southeast's track and field team has much talent, the GPA of the team is very noteworthy and several members of the team are from surrounding high schools. Let's give them recognition and support their choice for staying local in obtaining an education and pursuing their sport.

Violence was disgusting

THE FACT that drunken students set fires, turned over cars and fought with police after the Maryland-Indiana basketball game is disgusting. I can't believe students and so-called fans would behave that way. People like that take the fun out of sporting events