It’s football; you are supposed to stand and cheer

I am writing in passionate support of those energetic students and fans who go to high school football games, stand and cheer for their teams, and support their friends and family members.

Friday was a big game for Myrtle Beach and Carolina Forest. It was a challenging competition, and congratulations to each student and coach who worked hard to prepare for it. Students came in droves to support their local teams. As a coach's wife who often attended as many as four athletic events a week for more than 30 years, I am angry and ashamed of those fans who complained of others (especially student groups) who stand and cheer.

I apologize to the group of Myrtle Beach students who were chastised and eventually moved to the Carolina Forest side but continued to cheer for their team. I apologize to any adults who feel any students were disrespectful to them; only if those adults treated the young people with the same respect they expected to receive. Adults who were disrespectful to the students should be ashamed of themselves.

I am 63 years old and still enjoy attending many athletic events. When I don't feel I can stand and cheer to support my team, I listen to it on the radio or watch it on TV.

Rather than try to subdue the crowd, I heartily invite you, who choose not to stand and cheer in the heat of excitement, to just get off your tail and move to another seat yourself, listen to it on the radio, or attend a ballet.

This story was originally published September 21, 2017 at 4:50 PM with the headline "It’s football; you are supposed to stand and cheer."