In New Video PSA, Schools Officials Ask Students to Live Up to Saline Standard

School administrators and coaches have released a public service announcement asking students to be respectful while having fun cheering for the home team at sporting events.

Behavior of the student section at varsity football games has been an issue for more much of the year, but it reached a head at Thursday night's game at Ann Arbor Huron. In the final minute of play in the first half, Huron school representatives chased about 20 Saline students off the track that circles the football field. The students were intercepted on their way to the inflatable Ann Arbor Huron helmet from which the team enters the field during pregame festiviites. Before the second half began, the student section was removed from the stadium.

Here are some of the comments made by administrators, coaches and school leaders.

"I moved here a little over four years ago and what became immediately apparent to me was that we have a school that is like no other. We have a sense of pride and respect and passion for our school and community that goes beyond anything I've ever seen. In that first home game in 2007, I was amazed. I spent more time looking at the student section than I did at the ball game. I could not believe the number of students there, how positive they were, how full of spirit they were, cheering for our team, cheering with our band. It was unbelievable. It made an indelible impression on me. And I couldn't have been more proud. This year we need to remember to cheer for our team, and not against the other team. We need to make sure that the cheers we are cheering are positive and refrain from using any vulgarities. We need to make sure that we a positive group of students in the stands, so that members of the community—our parents, our grandparents, extended family and young children—are not embarrassed or ashamed to sit near us because of what we're yelling at top volume. We need to make sure we obey all MHSAA rules and do not storm the field during the game time. We know how to act. We group here, most of us. And for those of us who recently moved here, it's apparent how important this Saline tradition is. Please continue to remember what it means to be a positive Saline Hornet, and represent our school in the best possible light." Saline High School Principal Ben Williams.

 

"I think there are a lot of students out there who do have a lot of pride in the school, community and athletic teams. Right now, I think it's important those students be heard. Through positive actions, through positive ways, that pride needs to come forth so that the reputation of our school and our community is up to wear it should be and not damaged any further." — Cross country coach and retired teacher Mike Smith.

"Students, it's important to remember, Hornet pride is about respecting yourself, respecting your classmates and respecting your opponents." — Superintendent Scot Graden.

 

"I believe one of the things that makes Saline High School a great place to work and to learn has been the mutual respect that students have always had for each other, whether they excel in academics, athletics or music ... It would be a tragedy for us to learn that thing that makes us truly unique." — Band Director Nate Lampman.

"We expect students to behave in a certain manner at the sporting events—to respect their opponents, to support our team, to be loud and have fun, but at the same time, understand who we represent, our school, community, family and all those who have done the right things in their shoes in the past." Baseball coach and teacher Scott Theisen.

 

"Having character and integrity in the classroom, in the community and both on the athletic field and in the stands means doing the right thing whether people are watching or not watching. We expect to the same level of character and integrity, both on the field, in the community and in the classroom. Do the right thing Saline." — Varisty football coach and teacher Mike Glennie.

"In my 40 years of coaching here it was an honor to know that students always conducted themselves in a very sportsmanlike atmosphere both on and off the field, and that was really a point of pride."  — Retired coach Jack Crabtree.

"I think there are a lot of students out there who do have a lot of pride in the school, community and athletic teams. Right now, I think it's important those students be heard. Through positive actions, through postive ways, that pride needs to come forth so that the reputation of our school and our comnunity is up to wear it should be and not damaged any further." — Cross country coach and retired teacher Mike Smith.