I am writing to encourage all Virginia Tech fans to find creative — and “clean” — ways to express emotions at our sporting events.
I am reacting to Thursday’s exciting win over the North Carolina Tar Heels in men’s basketball, a game where objects were thrown on the floor — something that is only supposed to happen at WVU.I thought the game was one of the most poorly officiated I have ever seen — call after call seemed to go against the Hokies — yet our players maintained their composure and came through with a must win.
The game was so close that it could have easily swung the other way on a technical foul. Once something hits the floor, the next time it is an automatic “T” even if some creative fan of the opposition is the perpetrator.
All of us in the Hokie Nation are affected by whatever reputation we collectively earn, and up until now, that reputation has been pretty solid. Contrast it against WVU’s reputation as battery-throwing, couch burning fans. I think I prefer where we are, and I think most of you do too. Did the referees (particularly the one guy with hair) stink that night? Yep. Is it worth getting so frustrated that our actions could impact not only our reputation but also the outcome of a game in a season in which the team has a legitimate shot at the NCAA tournament? Nope. Someone knows who threw those objects last night. Please help get them on board.
Stephen Skripak
associate dean for graduate programs
A version of this article appeared in the Feb 10 issue of the Collegiate Times.
Leave a comment 6 Comments Write a letter to the editor
All letters to the editor must include a name, e-mail, daytime phone number and affiliation to Virginia Tech. Affiliation includes: year and major for students; position and department for faculty and staff; current city for alumni and parents.
Do those refs publish articles in the newspaper blasting you for sucking at your job? I don't think so.
So why don't you stick to doing your job not criticizing others for doing theirs in a public forum.
Reply to this Top
Well said. We, the fans, should show the same class and composure as our players and coaches.
Reply to this Top
I was considering writing a letter to the editor as well. I totally agree. Last year, something similar happened and we did get a technical foul. Thats embarassing. Our basketball team should not have to suffer because the fans are being ignorant. Let's try to keep it together.
And, I don't think the author was trying to "blast" the refs. If you had been at the game, you know it was the general consensus...for UNC and VT fans alike.
Reply to this Top
I am glad to see this article in here. I currently live in Pittsburgh and WVU has gotten A LOT of negative press recently (locally and nationally)for the way their fans acted during the Pitt @ WVU men's basketball game as well as some other big games played in Morgantown. I am always so proud of the way Hokies respect other teams and fans and we have been recognized for it on several occassions - let's keep that up and not stoop to a WVU-level!
Reply to this Top
I do believe we Hokies respected the team and fans from UNC. The visible statement was directed at the poor quality of officiating not at the opponent!
Reply to this Top
Goal Hide,version pupil block priority publish around technology forward lose transport impossible ticket simple place though option independent please settle car research advance relation as yard learn comparison gate task between open all able normally about domestic those finding plus still great asset realise match introduction few farmer become appeal box generate sex phone terrible media urban another kitchen influence failure overall view aim elderly reality capital safety firm amount provision version legislation park respond video wall reject love user spend concentrate release tall farm environmental
Reply to this Top