Dunn on the Run: Let’s Beat CMU on the field and with class

(Chyn Wey Lee)

Two football seasons ago, I accompanied our football team to the University of Nebraska. Although our team played well, the Broncos lost. But the game was memorable.

The crowd was large and clearly pulling for the home team, the Cornhuskers. However, the fans, including students, stood out because they were polite and respectful of the Broncos. It was eerie. The Nebraska fans applauded when WMU took the field and they acknowledged our team again at the end of the game, by standing and applauding a great effort on the part of our players.

During the game, the fans were loud and clearly pulling for the home team—as they should be. What amazed me is that the folks in Nebraska learned a long time ago the difference between being “in the game” and pulling for their team versus engaging in booing, cursing and making ugly comments about their opponent. They learned
much earlier that it’s more fun beating the opponent with confidence and respect. The Nebraska fans had class.

Can we demonstrate similar class at our home contests?  Don’t get me wrong, I am competitive and I want our team to win!  Anyone who has watched me at one of our football games or other athletic contests knows that I get into the game. I get loud. I help the officials make their calls and remind them if they get it wrong.

This week we play Central Michigan University.  They are a good team and they have done very well this season. Last year, we played at CMU, and let’s just say that the reception in Mt. Pleasant for our team and fans was not warm and fuzzy. There were some printed T-shirts and signs that displayed words and figures not becoming to
WMU. They were, in short, not very classy.

Broncos, I believe, we can do better.  I am encouraging our students and fans to be above the fray. I believe that we are a “classy” place and I am asking you to demonstrate your pride in your team and University on Saturday by being “in the game,” pulling for the Broncos, and demonstrating that a victory is even sweeter when done with class and respect for the opponent.

John M. Dunn, Ph.D., is the president of Western Michigan University.

Short URL: http://www.westernherald.com/?p=10039

Posted by HeraldAdmin on Oct 14 2009. Filed under Blogs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

Cody Kimball
Web Manager: I'm a Communication Student at WMU, a SCUBA Diver, Boater, Ordained Minister, Notary Public, Web Designer, Film Maker, DJ, and of course a Journalist. Born and raised in Port Huron, MI and a graduate of SC4. http://www.codykimball.com