[phs1986]

phs,

First I want to thank you for all you do.You make very valid points, but you are also missing one key thing I feel in defense of bucaroo.

I totally agree that the ability to excite the crowd and provide that spark is definately a good thing, but when it is not utilized properly as in the case of the past couple weeks it can also have an equally negative effect on the program.

Belfry has tried to pride themselves as a model program that other schools ASPIRE to be like. Part of that, heck a large portion of it, are the parents and volunteers who wholly devote their time. It's also the fact that Belfry wants to reprsent itself with the utmost of class and respect towards the opponent.

There is no problem with a little intimidation if used properly. The "Death Valley" signs, the use of "terrible towells", "Tunnel Time", and now this train horn (WHICH DEFINATELY NEEDS TO RETURN) all adequately can establish this when used properly. It also gives the fans a sense of pride and ownership. But when it is not used properly it reflects VERY poorly back on the fanbase and program (same can be said for PA men cheerleading, and music playing IMO). As Belfry fans it is our responsibility to not only try o conduc ourselves with class, but aspire to hold others to the same standard.

There were more than one Breathitt fan who eluded to the horn being blown in poor taste within a day after the game's completion, obviously it left a sour taste in their mouth. The same as the 5 or 6 Belfry fans who commented about the JC PA man's music nearly immediately followig that game. We have a championship calibur football team and we must strive for a championshi calibur program. When an opponent leaves you want them to remember two things only: 1. What happened on the field 2. How respectfully they were treated.

Thus, instead of questioning Bucaroo's "fanhood" (<-- In reernce to those ESPN commercials), I instead see his/her viewpoint and agree with it.

To try to avoid being longwinded I have one quick account of what Befry should aspire to on the high school level.... I went to the UK/Alabama game and since then have had the utmost respect for the Alabama program. Not only was it a great time, a great game, and fantastic facilities... but the way we were treated as UK fans astounded me. We had countless fans intentionally go out of their way to welcome and wish us luck before the game, after the game even more fans thanked us for coming and acknowledged how well UK played. But what really sealed the deal was when one of our fellow UK fans was seated in front of an overbearing Tide fan who at one point taunted them following a Touchdown. Before the XP was kicked two other Tide fans had already apologized and then informed the other Alabama fan "These people payed alot of money to watch their team and you will not ruin that for them"...

Sorry for being longwinded.

I understand your points and I'm not upset or angry with anyone who is making a valid opinion... I just feel that if you are a true fan, you are 100% behind your team and your fanbase. Agreed, there are some out there that are RUDE but being rude and getting caught up in the heat of the moment of a good game IMHO is two totally different things. As of right now, the horn WILL NOT be back as there are MORE Belfry fans bashing it than fans of other schools. Each and every person will support their team be it whoever, in the manner and fashion that suits themselves. Until Belfry fans want to "step-it-up" a notch, I guess we will stick to the old fashioned rocks in a bottle, cowbells, or clappers.

As far as fans, I myself personally talked to several from Breathitt, wished them goodluck, and told them to have a safe trip home..... I guarantee that if ANY of the ones who was blowing the horn, whomever it may have been, was asked to do something for the Breathitt fans, they would NOT have hesitated. They were just caught up in the game and over did it. BUT, oh well..... They are going to continue to get beraited by their own for this. It will NOT happen again.... Someone else can figure out how to show some class and support the Pirates without getting excited.... I know I will be too busy to worry about it from now on....

I'll give you also that I may have overreacted on Buc BUT, MY LORD, it's Belfry fans who are keeping the topic going and going. MY goodness, it's over, no one has to worry about it anymore. They have seen the last of the Pirate "train" coming through on this end of the county.....