First of all, let me say that I am a 1982 graduate of Lincoln High School and a former member of the Lady Cougars Basketball Team. Until recently, I was proud of that fact. But after witnessing the behavior of some of the fans and players at the Girls' State Tournaments (Bridgeport vs. Magnolia game), I'm not sure if I'd want anyone to know I went to L.H.S.
There were guys with shirts on with obscene writing on them, too graphic for print. Also, they all sat with the Magnolia fans and cheered against the Bridgeport girls, which is OK -- it's a free country -- except that they yelled obscenities and made obscene gestures at the players. This is not OK!
Back when I was in school, Lincoln and Bridgeport were rivals, but not in a mean-spirited way.
My view of the situation is that Bridgeport played in the State Tournament -- Lincoln didn't. Yes, Bridgeport lost the game and all of those fans from Lincoln may be happy about that. But this still doesn't change the fact that Bridgeport made it to the "states."
Who are the losers here? I think we all know the answer to that question.
The Bridgeport girls were good sports -- win or lose. They were a well-behaved group of young ladies and represented their school well. This is something I don't think the Lincoln supporters can say after their behavior against Bridgeport.
I am disappointed that the administration would allow this kind of behavior, because when I went to school at LHS., it wouldn't have been tolerated. It was a great school and we took pride in it.
These fans and players at Lincoln need to learn to be dignified losers, as well as winners. I was taught that it takes more character to lose with class than it does to win with animosity.
