Editor:

I attended last week’s 2011 RHS vs Antigo, Homecoming/Bell game. With 70 plus years of tradition, it was great to see the Hodag stands full of fans both young and old. The weather sure didn’t detour many, as the excitement could be felt and the warmth of the crowd seem to cushion that northern wind. After Hodags scored the first touchdown, it was exciting to hear and see so many shake little green bells, shout and cheer-which I’m sure gave the varsity team an added surge of energy.

Soon after the first Hodag touchdown, Antigo scored on a kickoff return. And here is where the story changes. I’m saddened and confused by the lack of team cheer, by adults and students alike. Throughout the rest of the game it seemed Hodag fans were preoccupied by conversing with each other, catching up on local gossip and even complaining about the coaching stay, instead of chanting, cheering and encouraging the football team.

A newcomer to RHS football next to me was confused by the chants and cheers that could be heard from across the field by the Robins’ fans, but none on our side. Several Hodag fans tried to get spectators around them cheering, but to no avail. Even some of the younger students who learned cheers in school this week tried, but not too many adults paid attention.

We the Hodags need a way to increase fan cheer, whether is driven by fans or by the students. Bell horns could be used, the dance team (even tried shortly) could pump up the crowd, or a combination of mascot and etc.

It would be great for any high school sports team to be able to feel the energy the crowd, which can be passed along to the players. This energy should be used “correctly” to encourage sportsmanship, team spirit and the love of the game (and that could be for any game).

Ward Gleesing, Rhinelander