Collegiate Times

We're not at the stadium or arena to support unity, and we're not there to make other teams "feel welcome." We want them to dread coming to Cassell and Blacksburg. We're there to win, and the psychological part of that, including the crowd participation, is an important part of that.

I do agree that the “Ohhh!” during a live performance of the nation anthem is very disrespectful. I would not say disrespectful to the USA (not a lot to respect these days anyway, probably just started a big argument there), but to the performer. I do disagree with the argument that booing is disrespectful. The better the other team or the more important the game is, the louder the booing will be. The fans are acknowledging the other teams presence, but in a negative way. And, that’s exactly how I see them. The apposing team is here to stop us, to end what we have accomplished, to send us home with our tail between our legs. That’s why I boo. I get real tired of political correctness these days. After booing stops, someone will complain that cheering for VT while the other teams runs out is rude. Then what next, it will be rude if we don’t cheer for the other team. We stopped throwing rotten vegetables, isn’t that enough. I do not support booing any of VT players; I do think it’s ridiculous to argue about equal cheering. I respect all players, but some players just inspire the crowd more than others. An awesome Washington dunk gets more cheering than anything else on the court, is that bad? I guess in general standing ovations are now considered rude; it’s too much cheering.

This is a bunch of political correctness trash. Respectful unity? It's a sporting event, not a picnic. The whole idea is to make Lane and Cassell intimidating places to play, not to have "other teams enjoy coming to play there". Surely I'm not encouraging the throwing of objects, etc as some to the near west have done all so well, but it's called an away game for a reason. They are away from their home, they are at our home and we should make it as intimidating of a venue as possible to let them know what they will be experiencing for the next 2-3 hours. And the rooting for one guy, it's like Rudy. Always root for the little guy, the last one off the bench that doesn't seem to have much of a shot but takes advantages of his chances. Though judging by your obliviousness to sports with the rest of the article, I'm doubting you have any knowledge as to who Rudy was anyway.

Seriously? I can understand your thoughts on the Star Spangled Banner, a shout during our national anthem wasn't part of the original score. I'll grant you that - I don't participate in it, but I also don't see it as being disrespectful ... The crowd was responding to senior Marcus Travis, a fan favorite, a guy who walked onto the team, worked his butt off and earned a scholarship. If they had lost, it was his last game as a Hokie - these kids are proud of him. I've seen few moments that rivaled his last regular season home game … he started and scored the very first points of the game. Was he preferred? Sure, they wanted to give him the attention he deserves! Unwarranted? Hardly. You must have left the game early though, because these same fans you're suggesting lack manners began chanting "Thank You Greenberg", while the game was in play. To say they're appreciative of what this team is doing is an understatement. Tonight, I hope you get a chance to attend, and if you do here's my suggestion ... stand as Mississippi is introduced, boo them until you get dizzy, then lean on your friends and keep standing. Yell at the top of your lungs when Mississippi has the ball, be quiet on offense, and enjoy the atmosphere. VT is riding a wave of basketball excitement, I'd hate to see you miss out.

Were you at the Morgan State game? The bench exploded when Tom Amalfe scored his 2 points- they were excited and cheering just as loud as the stands- we weren't being disrespectful to the other players- we were simply cheering on the guy that hadn't seen a lot of playing time and we wanted him to know we appreciate his contributions however big or small they may be. The following is from Rivals.com from August 2005 "After taking all of these things into account, here are the top 10 home field advantages in college football. 1. Lane Stadium (Virginia Tech) Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va., doesn't blow people away by the brute strength of a massive stadium, but with knowledgeable fans that always reach a frenzied pitch at the right time, the Hokies make the most of their numbers." Simply stated- it's what we do- we're known for it- chill out, enjoy the game- get wrapped up in the excitement- because that's what Hokies do- and Hokie's don't let down their teams.

"It would be ideal for other schools to actually look forward to playing in Blacksburg because they feel welcome here." NO! That would not be ideal!! We want them to fear coming to play in Blacksburg. No, not because they're going to get hit with something or called names, but for the intensity. And booing is a huge part. It's fun and doesn't harm anyone. I agree the shout during the national anthem isn't necessary.

I would like to explain the "Oh!" during the national anthem has traced back to the 1970's during Baltimore Orioles games, when the entire stadium erupts with an "Oh!" for the "Oh say…". This has continued at Capitals, Wizards and UMD sports events. Due to the fact over 50% of the school is from northern Virginia, which is part of those fan bases, it is not surprising that the tradition has carried down to Blacksburg. I'm, for one, sick of hearing people complain about it.

Maybe you should find a new hobby rather than watch sports because you seem to be certifiably insane. I agree with you on the "Ohhh"s during the Star Spangle Banner though. I also dont boo the opposing team unless they deserve it *cough*Vasquez*cough*. But you are totally clueless when it comes to rooting for individual players. Those two players sit on the end of the bench and it's exciting when they to play. They are what every sports fan envisions themselves to be...walk ons who bust their butt everyday for the sake of the team.

-Oh- The problem with trying to link the "Oh" with the Baltimore Orioles is that I can guarantee you that maybe half of the people who say it are not even Orioles fans...just idiots.

I dont think it's due to people acting like idiots it's more due to people acting like idiots. Anyone who has ever been to a sports event in the Baltimore/Washington dc area would know that it is tradition. Also, I don't think the author of this column has been to more then 1 event in her life, and has no knowledge of more then 1 or 2 players on our football and basketball teams. In the future she should either do research or just not write at all

People like you ruin sports; stop coming to events and taking up a seat that could be used for a real fan. You clearly have no grasp on why we cheer or boo and I'm not going to waste my time explaining it to you. You should be embarrassed to put your name on this article and your parents should be embarrassed for raising somebody without a clue.

Okay, so what about the people who haven't been to Bmore/DC events? Or the visiting teams fans who don't know the OH! tradition?! You can't just assume everyone knows it. Therefore, it reflects poorly on our team and fans.

Its something personal for those people who are part of that tradition, obviously you have never been to Camden Yards, but that is 50000 people every game saying "Oh!". Not everyone says Oh at the games, but the ones that do, do it at every game that they go to. Furthermore, you should be more respectful to students from the washington dc metropolitan area and their their traditions at sports events.

I don't care about booing. I don't care about swearing, though I believe that if someone else does, they reserve the right to request that you stop. I don't care how vulgar your sign is, though the TV cameras may. On the other hand, I do care about the "O" chant. It is disrespectful to our country, to the color guards, to the national anthem performer, and to everyone who holds the anthem and its meaning sacred. I don't care if you don't care about the anthem, but you should respect others' rights to care about it. I don't care where the chant came from; it is ignorant. Further, it probably does absolutely nothing to help our team or hurt the other team. It is done simply because a bunch of idiots like to hear how loud they can shout during a solemn moment.

To OH!: I AM from the Wash D.C. metro area and I was at Camden Yards this past summer. I don't recall 50,000 people yelling OH! during the national anthem! Did some people do it? Yes, but it def. wasn't a huge deal. Not big enough to bring it all the way to Blacksburg. And, more respectful to students and their VA/MD/DC traditions?! They're VA/MD/DC traditions, NOT VT ones! Leave it in MD, where it belongs.

You say you live in he mero area, but you have only been to one sports event in your whole life? I have actually been to several sport games in my life, and this is actually a tradition. Also might i add, that the MLB and all aspects of it is starting to be a dying tradition. Don't make our traditions die along with the sport.

No, I have been to multiple Wizards games, about 4 Redskins games just this season, one Caps game this season, and plan on going to quite a few Nationals games this spring. My point is, yes people do it, but it's not like, "omg, that was so amazing when the whole stadium/arena/whatever yelled OH! during the anthem!!" Some people do yell OH!, I would say about half maybe. Also, there are many different people at professional sporting events. Not all are even from the D.C. area and not all are fans of the home team. Most of the people @ VT sporting events are there supporting our team. So, just think when you do something, or a group does something it reflects more closely on VT, the university, the students, fans, and athletes. While OH! may be a tradition, it doesn't mean it's a good one. And I agree with Jason T., it's disrespectful to the performer, the color guards, soldiers serving the country, etc.

You act like saying "Oh" is a big evil word. Your being overly PC. It's not disrespecting anyone, just representing them. You say about half the people do it at the events you've been to, then it shouldn't surprise you that it happens here.