LETTER: Good fans are respectful

Editor,

There has been a lot of consternation aimed at Utah State hockey fans. I do not attempt to justify the actions of a few overzealous USU fans. Fans should never feel justified in yelling at or harassing opposing fans.

I agree this is a problem but it is not solely a problem of USU hockey. Even BYU cannot claim innocence of all their fans after BYU fans cursed, threw objects, sprayed water and spit on USC Trojan players in the penalty box at BYU’s arena last month.

In general, rules for fan behavior are just understood and it is very easy in the heat of the moment to forget what is acceptable and cross the line into the offensive.

What happened between USU and BYU fans will pass, but it is very important that we as USU fans do our part to be good hosts to BYU fans and all others, as we hope they will for us. I am well aware this isn’t always the case.

The level of hostility is proportional to the rivalry we have with that team. Our rivalry with BYU seems to be at a peak, which is both a good and bad thing. It makes the games exciting, but it can be a bad thing if we let that rivalry become hostility between fans. Doing so serves no purpose but to darken the reputation of our fans, our team and our school.

When you are at a hockey game at our arena (like on Friday!) and hear complaints from opposing fans, please consider the far-reaching effects of your actions carefully. It really won’t lessen your team spirit to try and keep the peace. Continue cheering for your team in a less offensive way, and let other team’s fans do the same.

If you are cheering for our team at an away game, don’t be surprised when a few of their fans take it personally and yell at you. Do the best thing, IGNORE THEM. Keep the fight for victory on the ice, not between fans. Let’s go AGGIES!!!

Mike Smith