As the football team took the field against the St. Ignatius Wildcats, there was a roar of applause and cheers from the crowd, the fans were going wild, the parents were getting into it, and the stands could barely be contained in the small amount of room that was available. The only thing wrong with this picture was that these great fans and football fanatics were sitting on the opposite side of the field. 

Where were our fans? Where were the true Eagles? Sure every year the student section is filled with students who paint their bodies and act insane, but generally the section is unresponsive to the action on the field. And where were the fans at any of the other home games? Where are the fans at soccer games? Where are they at many of the other Eagle activities?

Mr. (James) Wallenhorst once told me that it was imperative to attend an event that involves every group that wears the Green and Gold at least once during my four-year tenure at St. Edward High School. If our student body were to take these words to heart, we truly would be a great school. This year’s fall sports season is over. It was disappointing in records, in dashed playoff hopes, and most importantly in school pride. It is not too late to reverse this trend and to support our winter and spring sports teams. Last fall, the Plain Dealer’s Tim Warsinsky commented, “the Eagles’ state hockey and basketball crowds in recent years have been embarrassingly small. One alum told me part of the problem is so many St. Edward students are busy with their own sports, they don’t have time or energy to be fans for the other sports, and those who aren’t athletes at the school aren’t big fans of those who are.” This is not a compliment!

School pride is something that the entire school can control. Our students’ apathy and selfishness needs to stop. We must support the athletic teams, the band, the plays, and every other function. There is nothing more intimidating to the opposition than a large and boisterous student section. Show your school pride (and not just at the Ignatius games). We need to rally around teams and never let anyone doubt that WE ARE ST. ED’S!