I'm writing this letter with some embarrassment. Embarrassed that I have to write a letter to complain about the fans of the same high school I graduated from.
This year was a tough year for the Tippecanoe Valley basketball team, I realize that. However, being out of state or overseas and reading various papers online I constantly read about the small turn out of fans at Valley games. The most unfortunate time was the most recent at the sectionals where one paper compared the crowd to the size of the Valley bench.
I know this year hasn't been the best compared to previous ones. Coach Patrick had his first, I don't even want to say it, losing season. But I think it is OK considering he has led the school to new heights that other coaches couldn't. Another year for the players to develop and Valley is back on top of the TRC and the 3A standings yet again.
It's just embarrassing that numerous people have told me the parking lot at the high school is only half full for home games. That's a big difference from when I was in school a few years ago when parking was slim and none for a home game. I can only imagine what it's like for away games.
Now don't get me wrong, we had rough times while I was a student on the front row of the student section with my chest painted. We watched Plymouth crush us, Warsaw ruin our season opener, and lost to rivals such as Wawasee and Rochester. But through that the fans, young and old, never missed a game. Towns like Mentone and Akron were abandoned during games. So what's the problem now?
Those players put in a ton of time each year. I know Coach Patrick is demanding, but that is because that is what it takes to be the great team that we have seen in so many years past. I would hope people would know that and come out to support your local ball players and classmates instead of heading to a bar or party assuming your team is going to lose.
Hopefully, next year, if I am not deployed during the season, I can catch a few games while I'm home on leave. After all, I'm not a bandwagon fan who jumps on to support the Vikings only when they win. I'm proud of what we had when I was there as a student and now as a fan. That shouldn't change because of one bad season.
