Editorial: Show UConn respect, class Saturday

It is an interesting feeling to want to beat your opponent as well as honor them.

Saturday’s football game between West Virginia University Mountaineers and the University of Connecticut Huskies will not be just another Mountaineer game.

By now, the tragic story of Jasper Howard has soaked into the public consciousness.

It’s been covered extensively in The Daily Athenaeum, from the initial breaking news story to the plans to honor the player in an official capacity.

WVU head football coach Bill Stewart announced plans Tuesday to honor Howard by having his players wear a No. 6 on their helmets – Howard’s number at UConn.

A moment of silence will also be observed prior to kickoff.

"We realize that this is something that is impacting UConn’s team, and we want to show respect," Stewart said.

In an e-mail to students, WVU Vice President of Student Affairs Ken Gray urged respect on behalf of WVU fans.

"In light of this tragic loss, I am confident that all of you will show your Mountaineer pride this weekend by treating the Huskies and their fans with respect, and courtesy," Gray said via e-mail.

"As Mountaineers, we need to show our support for the entire Connecticut football team and community by graciously welcoming them to WVU."

We at The Daily Athenaeum couldn’t agree more.

Members of the Mountaineer Nation are known for their pride, dedication and loyalty to their team just as much as they are for their sometimes questionable fan behaviors.

When tragedy strikes, WVU is also known for its hospitality and its ability to share grief with an opponent in difficult times.

This editorial is not a judgment on the fans, but a call to action to continue that positive trend.

Let’s show our grieving opponents that we’re just as big a force on the field as we are a force of hospitality and understanding.

Help respect Howard in observing a moment of silence before the start of the game.

Cheer for the Huskies when they enter from the tunnel and come onto the field.

Together, we can show our respect to the passing of one of our peers and help a community grieve.

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4 comments

Warren '85 in Connecticut

Sun Oct 25 2009 19:12

I have never been more proud to be a Mountaineer, especially one now living in Connecticut with ties to the University in Storrs. Thank you to everyone involved in planning and expressing support for UConn in such a moving display of sportsmanship and class

DP

Fri Oct 23 2009 14:11

Thank you WVU!

Husky Fan

Fri Oct 23 2009 12:38

The outpouring of support to the Huskies from the Mountaineer nation has been nothing short of amazing. Coach Stewart is truly a class act. No doubt that Saturday will be an emotional day for both teams. On behalf of all UConn fans ... Thank you WVU.
-Husky Fan

2009 Grad

Fri Oct 23 2009 10:00

Nicely put.

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