After Blue Crew was given a technical at a boys basketball game against Little Rock Central for running onto the court, admin promptly placed a new precaution in order. For the next home game, the Administration had already set this new precaution in place.
“Towards the beginning of the season, the student section was given a technical at the game,” Principal Dr Paul Griep said. “ It was just emotion but we obviously would hate to put our teams in a spot like that again.”
In fear of this happening again to our teams, Dr Griep and his administration started brainstorming and came up with the idea to create a barrier for our student section and the opposing fans. This decision was one he felt would have happened sooner or later due to our gyms layout.
“I like our gym but if you visit others, you will see a lot of them have built a barrier into their construction,” Dr Griep said. “I wish we had that but this barrier was just a way to push the fans in.”
According to Griep and the admin, this is most likely not a temporary fix but more of a permanent one. Although many fans are complaining, Griep believes that students shouldn’t be upset about this decision.
“If you look at it, it is just a rope,” Griep said. “ If it was permanent and built in construction no one would complain.”
Although the admin all believe this to be a great idea, Gibson, one of the student section leaders, is one of many students who are not ecstatic about this new precaution that has taken place in Wildcat Arena.
“When I first saw the barrier it was when we played Bentonville West at home and I was not happy at all.” Gibson said. “I don’t think it is fair because nobody else has a barrier in the front row and it takes away from being able to lead a chant and celebrate with our team.”
Although some students are not happy with this decision, senior and active Blue Crew member, Braden Sprague understands why this decision was made but does not believe that it is fair.
“I know the district wants to have students stay off the court,” Sprague said.” I think it doesn’t allow us to be able to engage with the crowd and I think we should be allowed to stand wherever we want, but I do agree students shouldn’t be on the court.”
President of Blue Crew, otherwise known as our student section, senior Laurel Smith is encouraging students to follow these precautions and make the best out of the situation. As a leader, Smith thinks that it is important to encourage students to follow the rules so that the season runs smoothly for everyone included.
“I know the situation isn’t ideal but I think the most important thing is we understand this decision and make the best out of the situation,” Smith said.” The only thing that could make this situation worse is going against it. I think students will become more comfortable with this idea as the season continues.”