Let the Rivalry begin

By: Paul T. Zeien Jr.

Well, it has been awhile since I jotted down some thoughts to put into an eye on sports article, so here it goes. School has been in session for a month or so and the students appear to be adjusting to the new digs. Our job at BooneCountySports.com is exciting because we get to be involved with many great athletes, coaches, and administrators at all the district 100 locations. I am curious though in regard to the interaction between the schools. How is that working out? Any smack happening behind the scenes? Any this or them talk?

From the sports front I would say that the cross town rivalry has truly begun. I was able to attend the BHS Vs BNHS volleyball match the other night and I assure you the intensity to beat the other side was intense. Remember, Belvidere has previous experience with cross town rivalries at the middle school level. When my kids were competing at this level there was more emphasis put on beating the other school for the bragging rights. This is natural and I understand that. Friendly competition breeds some very compassionate play.

At the game I noticed that some of the fans whether they were parents I could not tell, but I assume that they were, were pretty intense at the volleyball game. One gentleman was very irate at the call the official made which gave North the victory, that I was not sure he was not going to hit the court and possibly the official. I know that the athletic directors address event etiquette and what is expected at Belvidere athletic competitions. The athletes have always held themselves to a pretty high standard. We as endearing fans need to keep this in check and in the forefront of our minds when attending these events.

I remember when Rockford did similar splitting and modifications to the sports programs. In some instances it really divided the community. If you attended the North football game versus East at Guilford high school you might have noticed the dismal support for the team. In fact, I counted 38 people on the East side of the stadium. The East band, poms, and cheer were all present at the game. Their parents could not even muster up enough energy to support their kids. The North side of the stadium had at least four times the number of fans. Division could easily erode the support to the levels I have seen at the football game. The school district administrators have taken very good steps to assure that inequality does not happen with the things that they can control. We as fans need to do similar things so that this community that we care so much about does not become divided.

I hope that everyone comes out to support the community when BHS plays BNHS in football in a few weeks. Let the rivalry begin and remain in check. See you there.