In the November 25th edition of the Shafter Press, sportswriter and Shafter loyalist David Armendariz laments that while the Wasco game still draws fans and even stirs the embers of that old General pride, those fires seem to have diminished, especially compared to "what they've got going eight miles away from Generalsville." "A lot of things need to be addressed," he continues "in order to bring back school spirit." He suggests new General hats and t-shirts and making sure the Alma Mater is played after football games as a starting point.
I agree that the rituals and symbols surrounding and supporting school spirit are important. Along those lines, I think the recent basketball alumni game and tip-off dinner are the kind of thing Armendariz could get behind. Still, I suspect that if Shafter spirit is lacking lately, the main reason is the losing. In my experience, fan pain from a loss is directly proportional to enthusiasm going in. With twenty-six losses for the football team in three years, at some point it becomes easier to direct enthusiasm to more promising outlets, or just stay home. Other things (blogs, for example) might make some difference, but winning is sunshine on that yellow spot in the grass where the little wading pool was. There is no replacement, but as we all know, bermuda grass never really dies. The Wasco example is actually encouraging here. Let's not forget, they left the pool on the grass for a long time.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
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2 comments:
From the perspective of someone who last attended a General football game in 1966, this year's Wasco-Shafter game displayed most of the fan enthusiams, energy, and hard play that I recall from those days. Blissfully unaware of each team's won-loss record, I thoroughly enjoyed the entire night. Now if I lived nearby and followed things as closely as the General, perhaps it would be different.
That's great to hear. I had no idea if school spirit is high or low, I was just thinking it would be understandable if folks were a little less jazzed. I am sure things will turn around soon for the Generals. Talent ebbs and flows and I hear the new football coach is working his tail off and doing all the right things.
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