This is an open-ended response to Michael McVey’s letter:

To any student who feels the way Mr. McVey does about the conduct of fans at NIU games, there are three words I must convey to you: home court (field) advantage!!

As a member of the Huskie Band I feel highly insulted that you feel “less than pleased” about fan conduct. The purpose of a crowd is to both cheer the home team and demoralize the visiting team.

Several coaches, including DePaul coach Joey Meyer, have said the roar of the NIU crowd took their drive away and charged up the Huskies.

About the cheerleaders: how dare you judge what is proper until you do a little research?

Maybe the cheerleaders wanted their uniforms designed for comfort and to highlight what I think they do best: dance.

If you like how well the Northern Iowa cheerleaders built pyramids, then that is great. I also enjoyed their group cheers and activities, but that does not make our cheerleaders any less worthy of praise.

Lastly. Part of being a “hostile crowd,” something which all home crowds in every sport strive to become, consists of “gloating” over airballs and yelling, “Lucky shot.”

Does that automatically mean truly outstanding plays are not enjoyed?

The reason the home crowd does not stand up and roar for a good play is because that would fire up the visiting team (personally I never thought anyone with even a preschool mentality had to be told this), so we heckle the visitors, and quietly praise a good move, or a slam dunk.

We, “the hostile crowd,” also know (with reason) whether an injury is just slight (when we cheer or tease) or serious (when we are silent and truly concerned, no matter what team the injured player is on).

Luckily, Mr. McVey did not have to see how quiet the crowd can get due to injury.

In short, to everyone: I will continue my record of attending all home men’s and women’s basketball games, except two; to cheer for Donell and Denise, Antwon and Lisa, and everyone else ‘til I’m hoarse, like I always do; and to play my trombone for the Huskies and cheer for them however they do.

To you Mr. McVey and all who think as you do: I hope you will soon learn about school spirit, and that you continue to attend home games, or come out and give Huskie sports a try.

Patrick Collins

Senior

Music Education