Letter: Response to "Kick students out..."

While I agree with Mr. Anderton that it was disheartening to see so many students leave this past weekend's football game early, I find his personal attacks to be even more disheartening.

To characterize the student body as "self-absorbed and over-indulged group of apathetic human beings" is a vast exaggeration, especially when making such a generalization regarding a football game.

There are students on campus that work two jobs, that volunteer throughout the city of Richmond and that stay up late in the library to succeed at this academically challenging institution. To make such a claim about all students is ignorant.

Reasons for the early exits can be numerous, including academic obligations, plans with parents during Family Weekend or the sweltering heat throughout the afternoon.

I applaud Mr. Anderton's dedication to his alma mater, but I would hope that instead of hurling insults at students, he would lead by example and encourage students in a positive manner.

We have a brand new stadium and to raise such a drastic idea as kicking students out of the stadium is clearly hyperbolic.

The home opener was a great display of school spirit, and yet Mr. Anderton makes no mention of student attendance for that game. This past weekend was only the second home game of the year.

It is premature to cast your disgust at the student population based on one weekend. It is akin to telling a student he might as well not attend a class for the rest of the semester because he did poorly on one test.

This weekend I have confidence that our student body will support their fellow classmates on the playing field. I encourage students to turn out and cheer loudly. Athletic events are a way to blow off steam after a tough week of classes and a way to show our pride for our school.

I know that we all have love for our school. We do not need to prove that fact to Mr. Anderton. However, I am positive we will.

Ryan Erickson-Kulas is president of the Richmond Rowdies.