Grainger vs Elizabethton Commentary

[etownsparky]

I'll agree that the behavior of SOME of the KIDS in the Grainger STUDENT section were over the top and completely uncalled for. But, I was sitting in the midst of a good number of "Betsy" parents and fans, and what I saw and heard was just as bad. Two wrongs don't make a right. I won't defend those who were out of hand in BOTH groups, but when you have kids acting like kids....agreed not like kids should, but when you have adults, and not young adults doing the same things, it ruins the atmosphere and fun for everyone present. I've been present at all the meetings between the two schools as a member of the media covering the games for news outlets, and I've seen SOME of the "Betsy" grandparents acting as inappropriate as you say these kids were acting, and many were. This door swings both ways, and swings badly both ways. It's one thing for kids to get out of control, but when adults act the same, that pushes things over the top. Shame on both groups for the displays of poor sportsmanship. The game was a fantastic game. The Cyclones were quick and precise. The Grizzlies were resilient in their play, and put up a good fight. I believe they held "Betsy" as close as any team they've played all season. Coaches were passionate, but the fans dropped the ball. Grainger students...a group of them, and Elizabethton adults, a group of them. Arrogance and adults acting like children are never acceptable. Should someone have stepped in? Absolutely. Some of the Grainger fans, and a group of the "Betsy" adults won't know just how close they were to being escorted out the the facility last night by law enforcement. Would not have been pretty. But, adults acted like adults and cooler heads ruled. Your report of what happened at Grainger are GREATLY slanted by your loyalty to your school and your kids. From the middle and outside the argument, sir, you are very far away from what went on. You were only looking from the "Betsy" side of the confrontation, and evidently didn't see and hear what I did. What a shame that these two great teams can't meet without adults acting like children, and children needing to be "reeled in". Shame on all of you. Now, feel free to boast as to the sportsmanship and character your adults exhibited last night. You might be surprised at what video shows and audio allows to be heard from both sides. You might be tempted to retrace some of your statements. Good luck to the Lady Cyclones in their quest for the state title. Good luck to the Lady Grizzlies as they are still playing. Both teams would be better represented in a mostly empty gym in which to play, one with a pronounced absence of adults acting like high school kids, and high school kids acting inappropriately. That's what I saw, and like I said, I was sitting in the midst of the Betsy fans and saw both. Shame!

I'll admit there are a few Betsy fans that can carry things too far. However, I was in the midst of that crowd and I did not hear anything that even approached the level of vulgarity that spewed out of some of the Grainger students. Furthermore, the so-called law enforcement (and even an EMT) were somewhat encouraging of the student behavior. Obviously your neutral position is not that neutral. By the way, you didn't offer a good explanation for why the Grainger administration failed to act... Edited March 4, 2016 by etownsparky

[agitator53]

I'll admit there are a few Betsy fans that can carry things too far. However, I was in the midst of that crowd and I did not hear anything that even approached the level of vulgarity that spewed out of some of the Grainger students. Furthermore, the so-called law enforcement (and even an EMT) were somewhat encouraging of the student behavior. Obviously your neutral position is not that neutral. By the way, you didn't offer a good explanation for why the Grainger administration failed to act...

 

Have no idea as to the Grainger Administrations involvement.  As for law enforcement and EMT involvement, I did observe them putting several of the more rowdy kids back in the bleachers and preventing them from parading around the gym, unlike the "Betsy" student who crossed the gym and acted in an unsportsmanlike manner.  We must have been sitting with a different group of "Betsy" fans.  Having observed unsportsmanlike behavior in your gym by your fans nearing the same levels over my years of coming up for tournaments, and observing the less than hospitable behavior of your fans towards visiting fans....with no intervention whatsoever by your officials, I guess it's getting common all through the region of unruly fans acting unsportsmanlike.  No question that kids from Grainger and adults from Elizabethton were way out of line.  But, to trash either school and their fans for the actions of a group unruly kids and immature adults would be the ultimate act of unsportsmanship and arrogance.  It's evident you haven't attended sporting events in very many East Tennessee schools because the behavior of students throughout the region have been unsortsmanlike over the last few years, as well as that of adults.  I have observed school administration in some schools spending more time on unruly visiting fans while the "home" fans were allowed to be unsportsmanlike.  I have also seen law enforcement spending more time on visiting fans than they do more rowdy fans on the home side.  I'm sorry your feelings were hurt, but I've not read any reaction from the "Betsy" fans to the vulgar hand signs and comments made to the opposing team.  I'm not going to defend unsportsmanlike behavior on any level, by any group.  FACT is, it's rampant in our region, and it does exist at Elizabethton as well.  Thankful though that in ALL gymnasiums, it's the minority rather than the majority.  Sitting in the midst of your fans, and hearing the vulgar yells, flipping off students, and other actions, my opinion is both groups were out of line.  BUT,  one would expect adults to exhibit a little more decorum than you would high school kids.  Good luck to your Lady Cyclones as they continue their quest for Murfreesboro.  A very talented group of young ladies indeed.  The Lady Grizzlies still live to play as they move on.  Best of luck to them as well.  Two great teams/young ladies who were not represented well in the stands by some of their fans.  I think I'll spend my time encouraging the kids from here out and leave you to your criticism of a bunch of kids acting like kids, who should have been a little more restrained.  Too bad the TV station missed getting video of both sides, but we know opinions are always one sided most of the time when it comes to high school sports.  Time for adults to be adults and be a GOOD example for the kids and the rest of our friends.  If you would like the school phone number, Google Grainger High School, Rutledge, TN and the phone number is there, along with the principal and athletic directors.  Give them a call and express your feelings.  Better yet, drive down and have a friendly conversation with both of them with your concerns.  I'm sure that between them, your administration, and you, things can be worked out.  Enjoy your quest for the state title.  

[etownsparky]

Have no idea as to the Grainger Administrations involvement.  As for law enforcement and EMT involvement, I did observe them putting several of the more rowdy kids back in the bleachers and preventing them from parading around the gym, unlike the "Betsy" student who crossed the gym and acted in an unsportsmanlike manner.  We must have been sitting with a different group of "Betsy" fans.  Having observed unsportsmanlike behavior in your gym by your fans nearing the same levels over my years of coming up for tournaments, and observing the less than hospitable behavior of your fans towards visiting fans....with no intervention whatsoever by your officials, I guess it's getting common all through the region of unruly fans acting unsportsmanlike.  No question that kids from Grainger and adults from Elizabethton were way out of line.  But, to trash either school and their fans for the actions of a group unruly kids and immature adults would be the ultimate act of unsportsmanship and arrogance.  It's evident you haven't attended sporting events in very many East Tennessee schools because the behavior of students throughout the region have been unsortsmanlike over the last few years, as well as that of adults.  I have observed school administration in some schools spending more time on unruly visiting fans while the "home" fans were allowed to be unsportsmanlike.  I have also seen law enforcement spending more time on visiting fans than they do more rowdy fans on the home side.  I'm sorry your feelings were hurt, but I've not read any reaction from the "Betsy" fans to the vulgar hand signs and comments made to the opposing team.  I'm not going to defend unsportsmanlike behavior on any level, by any group.  FACT is, it's rampant in our region, and it does exist at Elizabethton as well.  Thankful though that in ALL gymnasiums, it's the minority rather than the majority.  Sitting in the midst of your fans, and hearing the vulgar yells, flipping off students, and other actions, my opinion is both groups were out of line.  BUT,  one would expect adults to exhibit a little more decorum than you would high school kids.  Good luck to your Lady Cyclones as they continue their quest for Murfreesboro.  A very talented group of young ladies indeed.  The Lady Grizzlies still live to play as they move on.  Best of luck to them as well.  Two great teams/young ladies who were not represented well in the stands by some of their fans.  I think I'll spend my time encouraging the kids from here out and leave you to your criticism of a bunch of kids acting like kids, who should have been a little more restrained.  Too bad the TV station missed getting video of both sides, but we know opinions are always one sided most of the time when it comes to high school sports.  Time for adults to be adults and be a GOOD example for the kids and the rest of our friends.  If you would like the school phone number, Google Grainger High School, Rutledge, TN and the phone number is there, along with the principal and athletic directors.  Give them a call and express your feelings.  Better yet, drive down and have a friendly conversation with both of them with your concerns.  I'm sure that between them, your administration, and you, things can be worked out.  Enjoy your quest for the state title.

I appreciate your lengthy, yet neutral, commentary. You must have missed the fact three of Grainger's finest coming across the gym with a large sign in an attempt to grandstand behind the Betsy bench for their fellow juvenile delinquents across the way. I believe this unsportsmanlike action is what prompted the Betsy student to cross to the other side. I wonder just how many trips you have made to the EHS gym for tournaments. I'm guessing these trips are few and likely only for the couple of times Grainger has played there in the past 8-10 years. By the way, my feelings were not hurt by the Grainger students as you conclude, but their behavior was more than "kids being kids." I have two children and I would dust their pants off for behaving that way. Your Google recommendation was not necessary as I could certainly contact the Grainger administration if I was so inclined. I briefly considered approaching an administrator after the game, but decided against the proposition because I felt it would have been poorly received. Regardless, the game is over and both teams have an opportunity to advance. Good luck to all going forward.

[agitator53]

I appreciate your lengthy, yet neutral, commentary. You must have missed the fact three of Grainger's finest coming across the gym with a large sign in an attempt to grandstand behind the Betsy bench for their fellow juvenile delinquents across the way. I believe this unsportsmanlike action is what prompted the Betsy student to cross to the other side. I wonder just how many trips you have made to the EHS gym for tournaments. I'm guessing these trips are few and likely only for the couple of times Grainger has played there in the past 8-10 years. By the way, my feelings were not hurt by the Grainger students as you conclude, but their behavior was more than "kids being kids." I have two children and I would dust their pants off for behaving that way. Your Google recommendation was not necessary as I could certainly contact the Grainger administration if I was so inclined. I briefly considered approaching an administrator after the game, but decided against the proposition because I felt it would have been poorly received. Regardless, the game is over and both teams have an opportunity to advance. Good luck to all going forward.

 

Did not see the students on the balcony behind your section with the sign.  Not surprised, and completely uncalled for.  As you, my kids would not have done anything like that for the same reason your's wouldn't.  I've been to Elizabethton on many occasions over the last 10+ years covering basketball for several schools and media outlets.  Always an "electrified" gym, great environment for basketball.  Sad that a few always cause problems for the majority.  Not pleased with the behavior of some of the Grainger kids, uncalled for.  Sad as well as that seems to be the new "norm" from elementary through college.  Good luck on the quest.

[lawnman]

I hate it all happened and I wasn't there I was at church but I was told some about it and the people I talked to said they were pretty bad but they also said our older fans should have acted like grown ups instead of teenagers.We all have to remember it's just a game and we can pull for our teams and still do it in a way were we don't use profanity.Well I said my two cents and I wish Grainger the best and let's go Cyclones.

[agitator53]

I hate it all happened and I wasn't there I was at church but I was told some about it and the people I talked to said they were pretty bad but they also said our older fans should have acted like grown ups instead of teenagers.We all have to remember it's just a game and we can pull for our teams and still do it in a way were we don't use profanity.Well I said my two cents and I wish Grainger the best and let's go Cyclones.

 

Very well said lawnman, very well said.  I miss the "good old days" when we could yell across the gym at each other, heckle each other, and cheer our fans on to either victory or a loss....and then leave the gym happy/disappointed, but no hatred nor malice for the opposing team.  I'm seeing way too much of that in our district, and has been said, some are allowing it to happen.  I do see it more during tournament time.  It was refreshing to see what West Green did on the Saturday game where one of the Grainger boys lost his step-mother, and then afterwards.  They set a pretty high bar for the rest of the region, district, and community.  Maybe some day..........  Good luck on the quest for the state title!

[lawnman]

Very well said lawnman, very well said. I miss the "good old days" when we could yell across the gym at each other, heckle each other, and cheer our fans on to either victory or a loss....and then leave the gym happy/disappointed, but no hatred nor malice for the opposing team. I'm seeing way too much of that in our district, and has been said, some are allowing it to happen. I do see it more during tournament time. It was refreshing to see what West Green did on the Saturday game where one of the Grainger boys lost his step-mother, and then afterwards. They set a pretty high bar for the rest of the region, district, and community. Maybe some day.......... Good luck on the quest for the state title!

When you lose that's when you find out what kind of person you are and there are a lot of sore losers.Thanks for the well wishes we are proud of these young ladies on and off the court.

[hector1]

Very well said lawnman, very well said.  I miss the "good old days" when we could yell across the gym at each other, heckle each other, and cheer our fans on to either victory or a loss....and then leave the gym happy/disappointed, but no hatred nor malice for the opposing team.  I'm seeing way too much of that in our district, and has been said, some are allowing it to happen.  I do see it more during tournament time.  It was refreshing to see what West Green did on the Saturday game where one of the Grainger boys lost his step-mother, and then afterwards.  They set a pretty high bar for the rest of the region, district, and community.  Maybe some day..........  Good luck on the quest for the state title!

West Greene showed great sportsmanship but would like to point out the senior lost his MOTHER not stepmother.

[lawnman]

West Greene showed great sportsmanship but would like to point out the senior lost his MOTHER not stepmother.

Sorry to hear that and prayers for the family.

[hector1]

Sorry to hear that and prayers for the family.

Thank you.