A message for the student section

This is a message to the people.

Let's talk about the student section at men's basketball games.

There are just some things that the student section does that, quite frankly, are uncalled for. In fact, some of the things our fans do are straight up dumb, disrespectful and immature.

Let's begin with the thing that makes me cringe every time - the National Anthem. I've been to places where the fans shout their team name at the end of the song, replacing "home of the brave" with "home of the Huskies." That sort of thing I have no problem with.

But let's address what actually happens at men's games at Gampel Pavilion. Throughout the entire song, fans are constantly talking, shouting out unnecessary comments and swearing.

As an example, take the Providence game. Sure, we all got a laugh when Jeff Xavier's brother was arrested for walking onto the court, but to shout out "Where's your brother?" during the National Anthem? That's just unbelievable.

And how about the Michigan game? When the Conn Men were singing the National Anthem, I heard someone from the student section shout something along the lines of "Conn Men, you suck." Here I thought we were all cheering for all things UConn.

Besides all the yelling and swearing, this is the National Anthem we're talking about - a simple two and a half minutes that each person is asked to take to honor our country and all those who have given their lives to defend it. To me, there is no worse sign of disrespect than to interrupt it. So to those who think it's cool to hear your voice echo across Gampel, thanks for disgracing yourself, the rest of the student section and the university as a whole.

And if Ray Allen, Donyell Marshall or any of the other UConn legends who were at the Michigan game happen to read this, I apologize on behalf of the UConn students.

Now let's address the oh-so-original chants the student section comes up with. One of my personal favorites is the "a--hole chant." Granted, we probably aren't the only school in the country who uses this one, but I want to question the integrity of the chant itself - oh wait, there is none.

As a fellow rowdy, enthusiastic fan of the Huskies, I understand the emotions we feel when a referee makes a bad call. All the booing and the jeering, to me, is perfectly acceptable. I mean, it does show our team that we're into the game and in a way we act as the sixth man or woman on the court.

But the vulgar chant after each call we think the referee blew is a little too much. There are families who come to these games and then there are the children to think about. I know it may sound a bit cliché, but what kind of example are we setting for the kids?

Each time we start up that chant, we lose respect from the people who are just as proud to call themselves UConn fans.

Another thing that bothers me are the uncalled for actions of individuals during the game. One incident in particular comes to mind, from the Michigan game. During the game, the short, slightly older, white-haired referee- all you fans know who I'm talking about - had made some bad calls. Okay, they were awful calls.

But nonetheless, one fan in particular - you know who you are - stood in the front row of the student section, no more than 15 feet from this ref, and chanted, "Where's your diaper?" This wouldn't have been so bad, except it was during a media timeout, when there was very little noise and people across the court could have heard you.

The idea of being a fan is to support your team, not degrade the refs. I mean, sure he was old, but someday, we'll be just as old and won't need a diaper.

In the same vein, the disses that the student section uses are pretty lame. If you're going to make a fool of yourself, you have to do better than calling a Michigan fan "sideburns." And again, you know who you are.

With all that being said, I realize I've been fairly negative about our student section.

But let me set one thing straight. There's no doubt in my mind that UConn has some of the greatest fans in the country and there's no place I'd rather be than Gampel Pavilion on game day.

Let me applaud some of the things that we, as a student section, do very well.

For one, I'm a big fan of the "Stand up Gampel" chant. That chant embodies exactly the kind of maturity and respect I'm looking for from the student section. That chant brings all UConn fans together, and with the team, as well.

Another thing the student section does well is cheer for the kids during the "Dress like the Huskies" contest in the second half, wherein two little kids sprint to put on giant UConn gear and hit a lay-up. For the kid who's participating, the cheers from the crowd must make them feel like they're on top of the world.

And "Big Red?" I think he's the man. In fact, I think every UConn fan thinks he's the man.

Before I finish up with my final thoughts, I just want to emphasize, once again, that I don't hate the student section, nor do I think I ever will. I do, however, think that we have a lot of growing up to do.

Now as my final thought I just want to propose one thing to the Basketball Gods.

Less hypnotists during halftime and more of the baton twirler. Despite the mistakes during the Providence halftime show, I think we all know who we'd rather watch.