Challenging fans to show sportsmanship

As proud ISU alumni we were mortified to learn of our daughter's experience at the recent Cy-Hawk game as a member of the Hawkeye Marching Band.

She told of ISU fans who swore at the band, yelled 'go home” and continuously flipped them the bird. We were equally saddened to find out that the ISU Marching Band had a similar experience at Kinnick last year. What used to be, and should be, a good-natured rivalry has turned into a verbally abusive and aggressive display of misplaced loyalty by fans of both teams.

We challenge ISU and UI fans to step up their game to show positive sportsmanship. Cheer on your team, but leave at home the vulgarity and abusive behavior. When the band, cheer squad, and dance team of either team passes by tell them 'Great job and good luck!” These young people work hard and put in many hours of practice. They deserve to be treated respectfully, no matter which team they support.

We say a big thank you to the ISU and UI fans who were respectful to each other's bands. You are true Cyclones and Hawkeyes.

Laura Amsler ISU '86

Jim Cain ISU ‘85

Des Moines