Skip to main content

Keep up support for UTM athletics


Reading the opinions section of the Pacer has become a bit discouraging lately with it seems an endless number of complaints filling the space for the first two or three pages.

I am going to take advice from the Pacer itself and say something positive about good ol' UTM and its students for a change.

I work in the Sports Information Department here at school and am also part of a family that actively participates in supporting Skyhawk Athletics. So when it comes to an athletic event taking place on campus, I can more than likely be found there.

The exciting thing to me this year has been the student turnout for the games so far. Last year the student crowds were a bit embarrassing. I found that the student body started giving athletic programs some attention only when they were successful.

For instance, last year it seemed the crowds started gathering at the volleyball games when word leaked out that hey….they were pretty good. We are talking about the same team that went on to become Ohio Valley Conference season champions.

Some of you are saying “what’s an Ohio Valley?” But like I said, this was last year.

I have been very impressed by the student turn out at soccer, football and volleyball thus far. Not only are students showing up, but some are even going out of their way to let loose a little and actually cheer for the Hawks!

I have also been impressed at the athletes supporting athletes.

It is not uncommon at all to go to a football game and see the soccer team file in wearing their orange and blue. Or go to a soccer game and see the volleyball team lounging in the grass rooting for their favorite player.

I stopped by the tennis match a few days ago and saw a few members of the track team. Maybe a basketball player is coming to the soccer game so the soccer team will later return the favor.

If that’s the case…so what? I don’t see anyone complaining.
I know fellow student support is very important to the athletes and I am proud of the student body for at least improving from last year.

Keep it up! It does not go unnoticed! If nothing else, games are just more fun with a bigger crowd there. It adds an exciting atmosphere for the spectators as well as the players.

So to all of you that have been attending the athletic events on campus, thanks for showing some school spirit and hopefully it will be contagious to your fellow classmates!

Abbey Dane is a Sophomore Communications major.