Derisive cheering was not appropriate

Editor,

Let me first start with a quote from the Montana High School Association's Mission Statement: "The Montana High School Association promotes participation, equitable opportunities and sportsmanship to encourage growth in citizenship of all participants and spectators."

Even after this was announced before the start of varsity basketball in Ronan on Saturday night, the Columbia Falls crowd chanted "No one likes you" while the opponent was shooting free throws, and parents booed or gave the "thumbs down" sign when the opposing crowd chanted their school cheer.

I know it is okay to get a little spirited for your team, but the way Columbia Falls conducted themselves was the worst case of unsportsmanlike conduct of a crowd I have ever witnessed. Parents are supposed to be role models and by not stopping and partaking in these actions, they made their whole town look bad.

I hope these parents will take a good look at themselves before Divisionals start on Wednesday and learn not to get carried away.

I hope the superintendent of Columbia Falls attends and keeps his students and parents in check.

Good luck to all the teams competing in the upcoming Divisional basketball tournament in Ronan.

Rebecca Morigeau

Ronan