The truth about the sixth man problem
Letter to the Editor
This letter is in response to the letter entitled "Motivation for sixth man" from the March 5 issue of The Observer.
When I read Kevin Kelly's article about the sixth man, I thought "Yes! Finally an opportunity to say something about the pending problem that we have with the enthusiasm level at our sports events." While I do agree with Kevin Kelly's enthusiasm to increase the noise level from our students, who are we really kidding by suggesting the problem is due mainly to the student body. During football games you see students going psychotic after each touchdown while the alumni mourn the fact that they actually have to get off their butts and start exerting energy in clapping.
You mean I have to pay all that money for a ticket and cheer too? I swear those "Notre Dame fans" in the expensive gold seats have a some kind of clause that they have to remain silent during the game or lose their place as a penalty of expressing themselves. Am I bitter? ... Yes I'm bitter. I'm bitter that some alumni donations go specifically to the University in order to reserve tickets, while those who don't have thousands of dollars to give away go without the football games they love.
I'm bitter that alumni who are "loyal" to their alma mater had no problem in sacrificing half of their tickets to incoming Nebraska, allowing the stadium to be infiltrated by a red sea of visiting fans. I'm bitter that three fourths of the Notre Dame audience spent thousands to travel down and enjoy swanky resorts but then left mid-third quarter of the Fiesta Bowl still calling themselves true blue Notre Dame fans. Keep in mind that this all occurred during our closest run for a national championship since the early 90s. Should we really think the problem is any different at other sports events? While I thank Kevin and the dying breed of cheering alumni for their support of Notre Dame, let's set the record straight as to who the true fans are.
Ryan Dick
senior
Keenan Hall
March 5, 2001
All Viewpoint Stories for Tuesday, March 6, 2001
