Letter To The Crew
11/24/2003 7:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Nov. 24, 2003
Dear Crew:
Your incredible, loyal support during this past season has brought an unprecedented atmosphere to Ludwig Field. The players, parents, coaches and the majority of the soccer community have been both proud and amused by your constant enthusiasm for our team. However, there is one important ingredient that has been lost during your show of passion towards the team's success, and that is the most important issue in college athletics today: sportsmanship. Derogatory and profane cheers cross the line of being passionate about the Terrapins to being abusive to the opponents, and that is something the soccer program will not tolerate. Please remember that the essence of competition is not to beat or abuse your opponent, but to measure yourself against the quality of your opponent.
The men's and women's soccer programs have strived to create the best atmosphere there is in college soccer that is attractive to not only students, but to the entire soccer community, and that includes families and children. I know that everyone involved-opposing players, coaches, parents-appreciate the new surroundings because we have had record crowds and will most likely lead the country in attendance this season. As you already know, we are among the nation's best in quality of play, and it is of utmost importance that we lead the country in quality of fan behavior.
You are unquestionably tied to us-you represent both our team and our university by the way you conduct yourselves. When you cheer for us you inspire our players, and that is where it should end. Disruptive and unsportsmanlike behavior may result in removal from Ludwig Field during an NCAA Tournament event. Please don't put yourself in a position to get ejected; we want you in the stands.
In the same manner that I tell our team that we need to win with dignity and class, I urge you to do the same. Please cheer loudly, enthusiastically and convincingly for our team. Trust our team to make you proud, and know that you make our team feel good about ourselves. Let the other team leave Ludwig Field with a feeling that they just came and played at the best place in college soccer, against one of the best teams in college soccer in front of the most supportive and sporting fans in college soccer.
Sincerely,
Sasho Cirovski
Men's Soccer Head Coach
