Fan behavior affects Mount community
Jason Werden
Issue date: 1/25/06 Section: News
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Everyone is aware that the Mount is a very fan and community based school. Students love sporting events and support them fully. But many people believe that this school spirit can be taken too far.
It has been evident this season, as well as in the past, that the level in which the fans portray themselves expands the bounds of how a Catholic community should act. President Powell has many concerns regarding fan behavior at games, as he fears it will hurt the entire Mount community. When "F*** you's" and cheers of "You suck" can be heard clearly, the environment is no longer one directed to families.
The Greyhounds of Loyola match-up on Dec. 3 was one of the worst displays of fan "support" in recent memory. This week after the Mount's men's basketball team lost to Central Connecticut, 59-57, Powell received e-mails from parents expressing their disgust with the vulgarity of the crowd. Many said that they no longer enjoy bringing their children to games at the Mount.
Profanity also keeps donors out of the ARCC, subsequently keeping money from the school's pockets. When Powell started his tenure at the Mount, he brought in many prospective clients to donate scholarship money to the school. Last year the Mount was able to reward over $14 million in grants and scholarships to both students and student-athletes. A vast majority of this money came from the donors Powell brought in, treating them to games along the way.
However, several of the donors said they were embarrassed and appalled with what they heard from the crowd.
"I don't want to bring donors to the games anymore," remarked Powell.
Recruitment is another issue that may be tarnished due to the current atmosphere inside the Mount's gym.
Powell came up with some ideas to make cheering clever and witty, without it getting vulgar. A cheer that he says worked wonders last year was a chant of "Who's house? Our house!" repeatedly. Powell says the cheer was said to shut the mouths of opposing fans and players without hurting the ears of any visiting families or prospective business partners.
It has been evident this season, as well as in the past, that the level in which the fans portray themselves expands the bounds of how a Catholic community should act. President Powell has many concerns regarding fan behavior at games, as he fears it will hurt the entire Mount community. When "F*** you's" and cheers of "You suck" can be heard clearly, the environment is no longer one directed to families.
The Greyhounds of Loyola match-up on Dec. 3 was one of the worst displays of fan "support" in recent memory. This week after the Mount's men's basketball team lost to Central Connecticut, 59-57, Powell received e-mails from parents expressing their disgust with the vulgarity of the crowd. Many said that they no longer enjoy bringing their children to games at the Mount.
Profanity also keeps donors out of the ARCC, subsequently keeping money from the school's pockets. When Powell started his tenure at the Mount, he brought in many prospective clients to donate scholarship money to the school. Last year the Mount was able to reward over $14 million in grants and scholarships to both students and student-athletes. A vast majority of this money came from the donors Powell brought in, treating them to games along the way.
However, several of the donors said they were embarrassed and appalled with what they heard from the crowd.
"I don't want to bring donors to the games anymore," remarked Powell.
Recruitment is another issue that may be tarnished due to the current atmosphere inside the Mount's gym.
Powell came up with some ideas to make cheering clever and witty, without it getting vulgar. A cheer that he says worked wonders last year was a chant of "Who's house? Our house!" repeatedly. Powell says the cheer was said to shut the mouths of opposing fans and players without hurting the ears of any visiting families or prospective business partners.