Last Wednesday the 5th ranked AU Field Hockey team beat 20th ranked Virginia in one of the most exciting games of the year. Unfortunately, there were almost as many Virginia fans as there were AU fans on hand to witness the spectacular overtime finish. Sadly, this is becoming a trend at AU sporting events, where sometimes the visiting team's fans even outnumber AU's.
It is a shame that there is not more support amongst the student body for AU Athletics, where we currently boast the defending Patriot League champions in Volleyball, Men and Women's soccer, and, of course, the 14-0 Field Hockey team.
Part of the blame falls upon the administration. Often, if you ask a student, they have no clue as to whether or not there is a game, or if they did know there was one, could not tell you where or what time it takes place. Sure, the Today@AU announcements are there, but the administration could certainly market the teams more aggressively. I commend The Eagle for raising awareness about the Field Hockey team's amazing season by placing them on the front page of Thursday's paper, but more needs to be done.
However, it is ultimately up to the student body to come out and support the teams. Obviously, it's not expected that you attend every game, and often they are scheduled at inopportune times, yet it is important that you get out and show school spirit. School spirit is not limited to expressing outrage over Ben Ladner or other things the school has done wrong, but taking an hour or two a week or even a month to show support for students who work hard almost every day to bring positive recognition to our school.
You do not even need to enjoy or understand sports to have a good time at a game. I knew little else before my first field hockey game other than that they used sticks and a ball, but it is easy to learn, as are volleyball and soccer. The atmosphere and excitement of the games is electric and it costs you nothing to attend. Where else can you have as much fun with your friends for a few hours these days for free?
Sports can bring people together, as we saw last year when the golf and tennis teams were unceremoniously cut. In the wake of the Ladner Scandal, perhaps the Field Hockey team's magical season can bring us together again, this time in celebration.
