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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 10, 2007

Fans Should Be Ashamed

Regarding 'Some Find Flaws In Bulls' Victory' (Letters, Oct. 6):

I read, with great interest, the comments made by John Schwind, Cathy Richardson and Andi Mills, all West Virginia University fans. The attitude exhibited at the WVU/USF sounded really unsportsmanlike, and I really wish to apologize.

I was born and raised in Martinsburg, W.Va., and it is a foregone conclusion by many that West Virginia is 'hillbilly heaven.' Yes, I know that former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt went to West Virginia one time and commented how she saw kids running naked in the streets, but that was back in the 1930s. Yes, I also know about the Hatfields and McCoys and the 'redneck family rivalry' they had.

I have lived in Tampa for over four years and, rest assured, almost everyone knows that I am from West Virginia and no one has made those sorts of comments. The fans at this game who exhibited this sort of behavior should be ashamed of their conduct and should also know that they were not representing the University of South Florida in the most positive light.

STEVEN AMBROSE-RAMSEY

Tampa

USF Should Apologize

How sad if our victory is tainted by bad public relations toward the opposing team and their fans. There's no excuse for making threatening remarks or holding degrading signs at games. I saw the signs (including one referring to the 'hillbillies') on ESPN and was shocked they were allowed in the stadium, and even more shocked that ESPN showed them on national television!

I travel to college games in Florida and Tennessee and have never been treated poorly. Are those college students more mature than ours, or do they realize (unlike ours) that you can't have a game without an opposing team and that fans are not enemy combatants? Heaven forbid anyone suggest that the difference may be that alcohol is served in our stadium but not at other college games.

The University of South Florida can help the situation by publicly apologizing on behalf of all USF fans. They should then address the student body about proper conduct and what are and aren't considered appropriate signs. Clearly, many students still need rules, basic parenting and discipline.

KATHY WELLS

Tampa

Wait Until Next Year

Initially, I cheered for USF because they made the Big East a name. However, being a graduate of WVU, I found that the USF fans that know nothing about WVU and couldn't even find it on the map were able to come up and scream profanities in my face.

I know that in the past WVU has gotten a bad rap on sportsmanship. I have no problem telling WVU fans to shut up and show some class. I'm not a prude. I drink, and I've participated in harassing the visiting team, but never the elderly or those with children, and most certainly with a smile on my face, in a non-threatening manner. I was appalled at the audacity of the USF loyalists who had no problem accosting me and my family and questioning whether I was sleeping with my dad or sheep.

I'm a health care professional and can save anyone's life. My husband is an engineer with a master's degree, and he works for NASA.

Just remember, this will enthrall many next year when the Bulls come to Morgantown.

LEIGH TALLUTO

Merritt Island

Learn From Auburn Fans

I am a 1985 USF grad and four-year season ticket holder. I also travel with the team when possible and recently visited Auburn to witness our incredible victory.

Auburn fans are fanatical about their football, but they are also great hosts. They welcomed us as fans and were even gracious in defeat. Most of the fans I passed after the game were congratulatory and wished us success in the future. When we were in the Toomer's Corner area, Auburn fans were very pleasant and wished us success against their team.

USF fans can learn from Auburn fans. People like me and fans from other teams who travel to support our teams should be welcomed. Yes, football is a violent game and when play begins, we should root our team on to victory. But remember, we the fans are not the players on the field. We are the 12th man, but that doesn't give us the right to disrespect the opposing team's fans.

Let's show the country that we deserve our ranking and show class and support for the visiting fans. Then let the players battle it out on the field for victory and a championship.

BOB TAYLOR

Valrico

Bulls Deserve Ranking

I take exception with the coaches and former coaches diminishing the performance of USF coach Jim Leavitt and his players. The comments of Alabama coach Nick Saban and former coach Jimmy Johnson that USF does not deserve to be ranked in the top five is bull manure!

This is outright jealousy of a coach who has succeeded. What small minds they have to think of ways to undermine USF's outstanding achievements.

Having been a USF season ticketholder and supporter from the first year, I have watched the hard work and dedication these coaches and players have exercised. They deserve all the recognition they get and more. Go Bulls!

GINA WELLS

Brandon

Treat Visitors Kindly

As their seasons progress, USF will play an even more prominent role in projecting a positive or negative image on Tampa Bay. This is more then football.

There are stadiums around the country whose fans act in a violent manner. We should not emulate them. We want visitors to return again and enjoy. Unfortunately West Virginia has an undeserved 'hillbilly' reputation. That we cannot correct. I have several friends from the state who do not fit such a derogatory term.

USF's administration must continually address potential problems with their students on campus. Also, stadium security should carefully monitor all potential situations. Give a warning, then ejection. LARRY QUIGLEY

Tampa

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