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So, when a Falcon parent takes a minute to write a letter complimenting Novi’s fans, that is something to really cheer about. In fact, it was from Sandi Phillips, a mother of an East Kentwood cheerleader, whose cheer team had just interacted with Wildcat fans at a recent event. “I had the privilege of sitting with your fans, and they were some of the nicest people I’ve met at any competition this year, they were complimentary of our kids and cheered for them.” “Best of luck in the future, as I am sure you are very proud of your team and you sure should be.” And then of course the grand finale included, “You have every reason to be equally proud of your fans.” Whoa… I’ve long been singing the praises of Novi’s classy fans, and alluded to them in a column way back in September of ’02, but to see it come from a parent of a rival school in the heat of competition… well, there can be no better validation. This is not faint praise. In this day and age of hyper-charged fanaticism, anytime a large group of partisan fans gather, crowd psychology dictates that people feel less responsible for their actions. And when you add personal diatribes, it’s amazing that most athletic events proceed peacefully. I guess you can insert your own Indiana Pacer/Detroit Piston joke right here. In fact, when the Pistons visit Indiana on Christmas day, how do you think their fans will react? You would never have to ask that question about Novi fans… During a hotly contested Regional Football Game last year, Detroit MacKenzie lost a close one at Novi in the final seconds and the visitors were extremely upset. So how did Novi fans respond? By forming 2 lines and giving their guests a 10 minute standing ovation as they filed onto their team bus for a long ride home. The Dictionary defines sportsmanship as “An attitude that befits courtesy, spirit and grace.” To see this definition manifest itself in living color, come to a Novi sporting event, like Sandi Phillips of East Kentwood. Sandi; on behalf of Novi Nation, ‘thank you.’ Your kind words are appreciated. And the respect? Well, let’s just say it runs both ways. (c) 2004 Novi
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