As Expected, "Zero Tolerance" For Friday Night

[cornellbigred.cstv.com]

Anyone wanna bet that Cornell doesn't get a penalty if fish are thrown when the players come out?

i like how they make it sound as though we’ll have to play a man down for the entire game …

Also love the amateur clip art over a picture from a Cornell-Ohio State game.

Administration Liars
throwing of any object onto the ice or any other disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and is subject to ejection from the rink and the revocation of season tickets

Hear that? No newspapers, either.

jtwcornell91
Also love the amateur clip art over a picture from a Cornell-Ohio State game.

I believe the same graphic was used last year.

I wonder if athletics would rather have an empty student section or a students with fish?

no newspapers?!?

Robb

Administration Liars
throwing of any object onto the ice or any other disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and is subject to ejection from the rink and the revocation of season tickets

Hear that? No newspapers, either.

And right after saying no objects can be thrown on the ice they remind people to throw stuffed animals for the Cops and Kids thing....

Someone should throw a stuffed animal onto the ice mid-game to prove a point and get a team penalized for it. Of course, that person should be wearing a SUCKS shirt...

to be fair, it's stipulated that you should hand your toy to an usher, not throw it on the ice.

personally, I think the solution to this problem is to locate andy and gene and simply pelt them with fish. After all, they're not on the ice, so cornell would not receive the penalty that they're soooo concerned about.

These people seriously have a lot of nerve. Any actual solutions out there? This is seriously ridiculous.

[Gene]"If you were a performer standing in front of 4200 people and a live
national TV audience and then had hundreds of raw fish thrown at you how
would you feel? I think most people would wonder why whoever was in
charge of the event would allow such a travesty to happen."




I am awaiting his response to my reply that everyone I know wonders where they get the nerve to try to stop this "Travesty", especially when Sucks knows it's coming.

scannon
especially when Sucks knows it's coming.

and in fact appreciates the atmosphere that it's part of, as they've said in several articles.

Who needs a "solution"? This isn't significantly different than anything they've said before the Sucks game in the past several years. You know how Schafer and Donato feel about it, you know it's going to happen anyway, so be a part of it if you feel strongly enough about it. Just don't be stupid about it. You already know it's a risk to throw the fish, so be as smart about it as you can, make your choices, and deal with the consequences.

Well said

Of course, you should read it in the context of my being an alum who hasn't thrown fish in at least ten years because he's not willing to risk his Section C season tickets. But thanks.

Everybody bring fish in the student section, and when they step on the ice all throw them at once at some signal (like maybe a "let's go Red"...I'd like to see the powers that be single someone out for that.

Well I won't consider throwing fish and haven't ever. The ushers seem to gun for me as it is so I just can't risk not being there. One of the guys I go to the games with is 6'6 and not surprisingly was busted last year.

I don't throw now because I have to drive 350 miles to see the games, and don't want to risk being thrown out after going through all that effort: I'll leave it to the undergrads. That, and it's hard to get it over the net at the end of the horseshoe.

Kyle

oceanst41
Everybody bring fish in the student section, and when they step on the ice all throw them at once at some signal (like maybe a "let's go Red"...I'd like to see the powers that be single someone out for that.

That's pretty much the idea already. And they will still single people out to try to suppress the tradition in future years. If they busted 5% of the people who do it each year, it would be dead within a few years - would you take a 1-in-20 chance of losing your season tickets?

oceanst41
Everybody bring fish in the student section, and when they step on the ice all throw them at once at some signal (like maybe a "let's go Red"...I'd like to see the powers that be single someone out for that.

That's pretty much what happens. Regardless of how many students throw fish, the ushers will single out a handful of people and remove them to set an example. My biggest fear is the ushers mistakenly kicking me out for throwing fish when I never did in the first place.

Unless they have gone to an electronic ticket scanner, I don't see how they can actually enforce the revocation of anybody's season tickets.

Throw fish, don't be in your exact seat, don't have ID on you, and don't have your ticket stub.

What are they going to do exactly? Have Gene Nighman at all entry points every week with mug shots ensuring that you do not gain entry into the rink?

Beeeej
You already know it's a risk to throw the fish, so be as smart about it as you can, make your choices, and deal with the consequences.

Exactly.

We've been getting these shrieking Chicken Little memos from the AD for at least the last four years. They are pretty clearly intended to rein in the eejits who don't observe the Unwritten Rules of Fish N Fowl, and that's a good thing, since those are the folks who cost Cornell delay penalties.

The rules, which actually have been written before, are:

1) Throw all the fish all at once when Harvard skates onto the ice prior to the first period.

2) Never, ever, ever throw any other fish on the ice at any other time.

3) Never, ever, ever throw anything other than large fish (which can be cleaned up relatively easily) and plastic, blow up, etc fish. Don't throw anything that will escape the notice of the maintenance crew or damage the ice -- the ankle you break may just as easily be a Cornell player's, and wouldn't you feel clever then?

Beeeej
Who needs a "solution"?

Answer: Anyone who wants to throw a fish without the risk of losing season tickets.

Beeeej
so be a part of it if you feel strongly enough about it. Just don't be stupid about it. You already know it's a risk to throw the fish, so be as smart about it as you can, make your choices, and deal with the consequences.

Totally agree...
I also would like to urge anyone who's on the fence about doing it, to try to join in. I know the whole process is nerve-wracking (as I have come to find the last 4 seasons), but I feel that it's important to uphold the tradition, and demoralize the opponent. The more people that participate, the better it is for your fellow faithful. You do run the risk of ejection, but here's a few tips for a successful fish throw.

A. Securely fasten your fish to one of your lower extremeties. I have untilizing high socks and tape is a good way to avoid fish-balls.
Nothing's more embarassing then dropping your fish at the entrance.
B. If you are near the aisle, be sure to pinch to the middle of the section when throwing fish.
C. Try getting a little arm room from your neighbor and throw it underhand or sidearm. This is a good way to avoid the police seeing the obvious overhand throwing motion.
**D. There are really only 1-2 ushers per section monitoring fish throwers. So either watch them until they're looking elsewhere and toss. Or wait until they are escorting away a more obvious, or perhaps more intoxicated, attemptee, then toss.
E. If you are caught. Deny to the death. They have no evidence short of an eyewitness account from a geriatric usher that is watching a thousand of your peers simultaneously.
-Of the people I know that have been caught, you are escorted to the ticket office and one of 2 scenarios occur:
1. Reluctant admission of guilt (resulting in ejection and possible revokation)
2. Absolute denial leading into passionate pleas of sympathy (resulting in potential reinstatement)


Yes, there is risk involved. No one wants to miss this game (I am making the 4 hour trek up for it). But if you're smart enough to be at Cornell, you can be smart enough to execute a fish throw, and beat the dimwitted security of Lynah Rink.
(Appologies to my buddies that were not that smart)

Let em fly.

What would happen if a few people took cardboard signs (acceptably worded of course) into Lynah and then held them to obscure the vision of the ushers just before the toss?

nyc94
What would happen if a few people took cardboard signs (acceptably worded of course) into Lynah and then held them to obscure the vision of the ushers just before the toss?

Maybe when Harvard is taking the ice is a good time to have a buddy make friends with your local usher and distract him.

I went through the same thing when I was a season ticket holder, we got our fish in our sophomore year and threw them from over in D as far as we could. Our usher came over and said one of us threw a fish and needed to leave. We all denied it and nothing came of it.

I mean we were loud, but not rude and when the ushers had issues with what we were saying we didn't get in their faces. So I think they showed us some respect back, by not giving us too hard of a time.

So bascially they can't prove it was you unless they are standing right next to you the whole time. I'll echo it again, if you want to do it, do it and be smart about it.

This may have been discussed before, but when exactly did the administration start cracking down on the fish toss? Or have they always had a policy against it? Was it because of people throwing the fish during the game?

nyc94
What would happen if a few people took cardboard signs (acceptably worded of course) into Lynah and then held them to obscure the vision of the ushers just before the toss?

Next year's memo would say, "And no signs either, dangit!"

redhair34
This may have been discussed before, but when exactly did the administration start cracking down on the fish toss? Or have they always had a policy against it? Was it because of people throwing the fish during the game?

Well, it's always been officially against the rules, for the same reason traying the slope is. They tend to crack down more when the game is televised (e.g., the playoffs in 2000) because they're afraid it will tarnish the school's image. Even though everybody who knows about college hockey already knows about it, and it adds to Lynah's legendary status. They do seem to have gotten more obnoxious in recent years.

Give My Regards

nyc94
What would happen if a few people took cardboard signs (acceptably worded of course) into Lynah and then held them to obscure the vision of the ushers just before the toss?

Next year's memo would say, "And no signs either, dangit!"

You may not be allowed in with a sign anyway, since they seem to have instituted airport-level security. My chicken little email included the following:
[Q]
Bags and backpacks will not be permitted in the rink. Food and drinks must be purchased inside.
[/Q]

redhair34
This may have been discussed before, but when exactly did the administration start cracking down on the fish toss? Or have they always had a policy against it? Was it because of people throwing the fish during the game?

When I was there, the fish were thrown before Sucks came out for the third period. And they usually called a delay of game. But at the time, Sucks was so bad, one penalty didn't matter. For example, my freshman year we beat them 11-4, as I recall. Tredway had a hat trick, and they called another delay of game for throwing the hats on the ice.

However, there was always the threat of action, though it was more by the league rather than the AD. One year, the commissioner (an ex Sucks goalie), threatened to move the game to a "neutral site" (i.e. Troy) if we continued to throw fish. It had no effect.

I think what may have put it over the top with the administration, though, was the giant papier mache phallus with "Harvard Sucks" painted on it that was thrown on the ice after all the fish were cleaned up. After that, the searches started, but they were cursory at best.

Best way to get around the search is by just going tonight and taping the fish to the bottom of the bench where you sit. May smell really bad by tomorrow but still pretty much full proof with regard to getting it into the rink.

calgARI '07
Best way to get around the search is by just going tonight and taping the fish to the bottom of the bench where you sit. May smell really bad by tomorrow but still pretty much full proof with regard to getting it into the rink.

Wouldn't someone (custodial, security) walking around before the game begins see that, or possibly smell it?

I agree with the person that suggested distracting the usher when it happens. In the end, the ushers have to see something, so finding someone not throwing to do that probly helps.

Well i will admit that i am probably too chicken to do it but i will do my best to engage in conversation with the ushers when Sucks takes to the ice to distract and to obscure their view. I can at least attempt to help my fellow student.

I might also suggest that those on the end of the isles make sure you kind of move to block the view as best as possible.

Good luck fish throwers and God speed. Cornell is counting on you.

-WillR

jtwcornell91

redhair34
This may have been discussed before, but when exactly did the administration start cracking down on the fish toss? Or have they always had a policy against it? Was it because of people throwing the fish during the game?

Well, it's always been officially against the rules, for the same reason traying the slope is.

Because they don't want people stealing fish from dining halls?

Josh '99

jtwcornell91

redhair34
This may have been discussed before, but when exactly did the administration start cracking down on the fish toss? Or have they always had a policy against it? Was it because of people throwing the fish during the game?

Well, it's always been officially against the rules, for the same reason traying the slope is.

Because they don't want people stealing fish from dining halls?

It seems to me they got tougher after the one year (2002 I think) where someone threw before the 2nd (?) period and we got a penalty for it.

i like the idea of the signs/posters to block the view. wouldnt take too many on the sides to obstruct the ushers from seeing anything.

Jeff Hopkins '82
However, there was always the threat of action, though it was more by the league rather than the AD. One year, the commissioner (an ex Sucks goalie), threatened to move the game to a "neutral site" (i.e. Troy) if we continued to throw fish. It had no effect.

Bertagna?

redhair34

Jeff Hopkins '82
However, there was always the threat of action, though it was more by the league rather than the AD. One year, the commissioner (an ex Sucks goalie), threatened to move the game to a "neutral site" (i.e. Troy) if we continued to throw fish. It had no effect.

Bertagna?

That's the only Harvard sieve ever to amount to anything, so it has to be. Frankly, I think that this story is an urban legend perpetuated in the online rumor mill and AD threats. At least that's how I remember it.

While the emphasis on this Forum has been on the pre-game fish, it's important to remember that that's not what Friday's game is all about. And with the game on national tv, there will be lots of potential '07, '08, '09. '10 recruits watching. I hope that tomorrow night I'm hearing a lot of "Let's Go Red" coming through on the television. It may not be our most creative cheer, but it's one that isn't done so fast that people listening have no idea what's being said. Let everyone know that there's no crowd that gets behind its team like the Lynah Faithful.
Be loud, wear "red" and Let's Go Red.

jkahn
While the emphasis on this Forum has been on the pre-game fish, it's important to remember that that's not what Friday's game is all about. And with the game on national tv, there will be lots of potential '07, '08, '09. '10 recruits watching. I hope that tomorrow night I'm hearing a lot of "Let's Go Red" coming through on the television. It may not be our most creative cheer, but it's one that isn't doneso fast that people listening have no idea what's being said. Let everyone know that there's no crowd that gets behind its team like the Lynah Faithful.
Be loud, wear "red" and Let's Go Red.

Damn straight.

It's not likely that enough students read this forum to coordinate this, but if the non-throwers would wave their hands in the air (similar to the endearing, albiet useless, ritual done in B and D during offensive zone faceoffs) there's no way anyone staff could find perps in that sea of distraction.

Even without such coordination, throwing is relatively easy (see previous post)

Yes...but how cool would it be if 4 guys at the bottom of section B heafted a marlin over the glass?

I'm not promising anything...but come on...it's a marlin.

RichH

redhair34

Jeff Hopkins '82
However, there was always the threat of action, though it was more by the league rather than the AD. One year, the commissioner (an ex Sucks goalie), threatened to move the game to a "neutral site" (i.e. Troy) if we continued to throw fish. It had no effect.

Bertagna?

That's the only Harvard sieve ever to amount to anything, so it has to be. Frankly, I think that this story is an urban legend perpetuated in the online rumor mill and AD threats. At least that's how I remember it.

No, Brian Petrovek.

Regarding the urban legend aspect, I know the threats were made. I also know Petrovek was Assistant ECAC Commissioner at the time (78-82). Whether he was the source of the threats, I admit I don't know for sure, but that was the conventional wisdom at the time.

This is where we need some clever engineer types to arrange for a Marlin to appear from the rafters and to descend slowly from above. Please note i said said slowly. Someone getting skewered or merely flattened by a Marlin plummeting from 60 ft would certainly put a damper on a fine tradition.

LGR!

-WillR

Jeff Hopkins '82

RichH

redhair34

Jeff Hopkins '82
However, there was always the threat of action, though it was more by the league rather than the AD. One year, the commissioner (an ex Sucks goalie), threatened to move the game to a "neutral site" (i.e. Troy) if we continued to throw fish. It had no effect.

Bertagna?

That's the only Harvard sieve ever to amount to anything, so it has to be. Frankly, I think that this story is an urban legend perpetuated in the online rumor mill and AD threats. At least that's how I remember it.

No, Brian Petrovek.

Regarding the urban legend aspect, I know the threats were made. I also know Petrovek was Assistant ECAC Commissioner at the time (78-82). Whether he was the source of the threats, I admit I don't know for sure, but that was the conventional wisdom at the time.

That makes more sense. In '78 "tradition" would have been a tough card to play. I'm glad that he was ignored and it became a tradition.

From the Ithaca Journal story:
[www.theithacajournal.com]

[Q]“But Cornell students obviously won't be denied. As far as they want to do it, they are going to find some creative way of doing it. As long as they don't cost us a penalty, that is the biggest thing.”

Usually, Cornell does not get penalized for tossing fish before the game. But if a fish is flung during the contest, the Big Red usually receives a bench minor penalty. That most recently occurred four years ago.[/Q]

To reiterate my usual caveats...don't toss anything that can really screw up the ice...this includes shatter-friendly frozen fishsticks or unbagged gummy swedish fish. That's just bad news for the ice. For the love of Pete Tufford, DON'T toss anything after introductions. There'll be a line of people waiting to kick your ass if CU gets a penalty because you saved one for the 2nd period.

Also, make sure to thank the rink staff...you know...all those people who are very quick to respond with plastic bags and squeegies. They are really the unsung heroes of this game. Year in, year out, a remarkable job.

Cornell's sports hierarchy may be busy fighting off the invasion of flying fish Friday night. Not so busy they don't try to make sure Microsoft Word's smart formatter doesn't mess up apostrophes. Too busy perhaps to make the fix once noted. See photo caption.

The giant papier mache phallus was carried off the ice by Lance Nethery, who had just finished an impassioned plea over the P.A. that fans not throw stuff onto the ice. He was visibly disappointed when the item arrived on the ice not 30 seconds after completion of his speech.

It was quite a sight.

And fish were certainly thrown on the ice that night, as well. Even someone as wildly popular as Nethery couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of the Faithful to greet Harvard appropriately.

Karl

heykb
The giant papier mache phallus was carried off the ice by Lance Nethery, who had just finished an impassioned plea over the P.A. that fans not throw stuff onto the ice. He was visibly disappointed when the item arrived on the ice not 30 seconds after completion of his speech.

How was this brought into the rink?

During the Treadway/Nethery era the rink staff turned a blind eye, almost to the point of supporting the efforts of the fans. Harvard may have started the chicken taunt, but it was continued at Lynah (in reverse). A chicken would be brought out in a burlap sack and tied to the Harvard goal. As I recall it, the student (?) carrying the chicken entered the rink through the door at the end of the rink.

It was also during this time that large numbers of fish were thrown.

Chris '79

I can also tell you that one year the chicken was hidden in the drop ceiling in the mens' room the day before the game. That way the person who tied it to the goal could see the whole game and still survive the frisking by the ticket takers.

cmoberg
During the Treadway/Nethery era the rink staff turned a blind eye, almost to the point of supporting the efforts of the fans. Harvard may have started the chicken taunt, but it was continued at Lynah (in reverse). A chicken would be brought out in a burlap sack and tied to the Harvard goal. As I recall it, the student (?) carrying the chicken entered the rink through the door at the end of the rink.

It was also during this time that large numbers of fish were thrown.

During one of those years, around '77 or '78, the Harvard goalie, Brian Petrovak (who later became ECAC commissioner, I believe), took a swipe with his stick at the chicken in his goal, incurring the wrath of the crowd even more.

I happened to be at the volleyball game instead of the hockey game last night. Andy Noel was there for the first hour and he need to get over himself. He sent one of his goons (some ugly lady) to tell us fans that first we were not allowed to repeatedly tell Penn to focus, but it was ok to dance during their timeouts. Then we were told that dancing is now banned too. Finally, the goon came over again and said that any sounds (yes, any noise whatsoever) directed at Penn would get us kicked out. This guy is a nut job. He needs to go.

Well, after purposefully not participating in "See ya ..., you goon" because I saw an usher watching me the whole game, I was removed anyway for supposedly using profanity in that cheer. Yeah, good times...

canuck89
Well, after purposefully not participating in "See ya ..., you goon" because I saw an usher watching me the whole game, I was removed anyway for supposedly using profanity in that cheer. Yeah, good times...

We had 3 right near us get removed for "Bull-shit." Anyone know if people got thrown out for fish? I didn't notice anyone get caught...

ebilmes

canuck89
Well, after purposefully not participating in "See ya ..., you goon" because I saw an usher watching me the whole game, I was removed anyway for supposedly using profanity in that cheer. Yeah, good times...

We had 3 right near us get removed for "Bull-shit." Anyone know if people got thrown out for fish? I didn't notice anyone get caught...

They were right in front of me. the odd thing is that an usher from a different section came over and grabbed them. What i don't understand is how she could possibly tell if they were yelling anything and i really don't know how she could possibly tell what they were yelling. It is not as if any of the 4 people involved would ever be accused of being tall.

I saw no others get tossed, period.

-WillR

I had a flight delay from an interview in NYC, and didn't get to the game until about 7:40, still in my suit with my jeans/red stuff in a big bag. Changed in the bathroom, then tried to get in, still carrying the bag with all my papers, suit, shoes, etc. They patted me down, but didn't ask to look in my bag. I offered (b/c I didn't want them later to somehow kick me out for trying to hide it or something), and they just waved me on.

So... next year just take the easy route and bring a bag with the fish at the bottom?

Willy '06
I happened to be at the volleyball game instead of the hockey game last night. Andy Noel was there for the first hour and he need to get over himself. He sent one of his goons (some ugly lady) to tell us fans that first we were not allowed to repeatedly tell Penn to focus, but it was ok to dance during their timeouts. Then we were told that dancing is now banned too. Finally, the goon came over again and said that any sounds (yes, any noise whatsoever) directed at Penn would get us kicked out. This guy is a nut job. He needs to go.

The band has gotten similar comments from him at soccer games in the past. You'd think he'd be thrilled that someone CAME to soccer.

where you still dressed in a suit when you entered the building? Ariving well dressed would probably put the ushers off your scent.

Didn't see anyone in B removed for throwing fish. There were at least 50 more people in B more than capacity so it was probably impossible to tell who was throwing them.

it seemed that, atleast in A, the 'obstruct the ushers view with newspaper strategy' was reasonably successfull. I do know that several of us on the ends of our rows managed to get newspapers up in an attempt to obstruct. In the end, I don't think enough fish where thrown from A for our efforts to really be of much help, but it could be a blueprint for future years.

las224
So... next year just take the easy route and bring a bag with the fish at the bottom?

They were very inconsistent with bag checks. Some were thoroughly searched and others weren't.

Anyone know what the significance of the pens thrown on the ice was? I saw at least half a dozen pens or so, and I think they came from different parts of the rink.

andyw2100
Anyone know what the significance of the pens thrown on the ice was? I saw at least half a dozen pens or so, and I think they came from different parts of the rink.

I don't know but it has to stop. I know there was one in our end that almost didn't get seen before the face-off.

After the game we were walking down College Av when some guy asked us the score. We ended up talking to him for a bit and he told us that his brother had been thrown out of B for throwing fish even when he hadn't brought fish so that he wouldn't be thrown out. I hate it how some ushers are nice but the rest are complete jack offs who love nothing more than throwing people out. My group in A received a ton of glares from them for just wearing the Harvard Sucks shirts we made.

evilnaturedrobot
where you still dressed in a suit when you entered the building? Ariving well dressed would probably put the ushers off your scent.

My plan was originally to wear my suit and put the fish under my shirt (VERY well wrapped though), but when I didn't have time to get fish, I changed before trying to go in and just had the suit in my completely closed bag, so they had no idea.

nr53
My group in A received a ton of glares from them for just wearing the Harvard Sucks shirts we made.

Some people were made to take off/cover up articles of Harvard Sucks clothing.

jtwcornell91

nr53
My group in A received a ton of glares from them for just wearing the Harvard Sucks shirts we made.

Some people were made to take off/cover up articles of Harvard Sucks clothing.

Yeah they asked us to do that too. Its a damn shame I have such a hard time remembering things, it just slipped my mind when i got to my seats

So ... at the end of the game, was it any less exciting with fewer fish on the ice, fewer pointed-reference T-shirts in the stands, and fewer inflammatory chants?

billhoward
So ... at the end of the game, was it any less exciting with fewer fish on the ice, fewer pointed-reference T-shirts in the stands, and fewer inflammatory chants?

The way the final 3 minutes played out, it probably would not have been any less exciting if there were no fish, no newspapers, no cheers, no band, and if 4100 people had been sitting on their hands for the first 57 minutesof play.

But how is that at all relevant?

Actually...No newpaper, no fish, no cheering, no band...Andy Noel might just be getting started.

billhoward
So ... at the end of the game, was it any less exciting with fewer fish on the ice, fewer pointed-reference T-shirts in the stands, and fewer inflammatory chants?

Nope!! And, I don't think the time that it took for my vocal chords to recover was changed....Wait a minute, they haven't recovered yet!

I, for one, thought that it was less fun because of the lack of fish. I came to that game to see the team play, but also expecting some tradition. I would have liked to see more fish.

Not that the game wasn't great. I just think it would've been better.

According to this article [www.jconline.com], it appears that the The University of Hawaii could use someone with Andy Noel's and Gene Nighman's "talents" for keeping fish off the playing field. For the whining and complaining they are doing, I hope one of the fish hits Coach Tiller and AD Burke.

The last two links are to articles about Purdue's Football coach and AD complaining about the trip to Hawaii. I do not think what Hawaii offers to its opponents is that bad a deal. Granted it is football, but if that is the type of "compensation package" that teams expect to travel long distances for an out of conference game, we will indeed have a tough time getting any of the Western teams in Lynah.


[www.jconline.com]

[www.jconline.com]

Willy '06
I happened to be at the volleyball game instead of the hockey game last night. Andy Noel was there for the first hour and he need to get over himself. He sent one of his goons (some ugly lady) to tell us fans that first we were not allowed to repeatedly tell Penn to focus, but it was ok to dance during their timeouts. Then we were told that dancing is now banned too. Finally, the goon came over again and said that any sounds (yes, any noise whatsoever) directed at Penn would get us kicked out. This guy is a nut job. He needs to go.

Willy, Why dont you guys just leave? I mean if all the students walk out of the volleyball game, maybe he will stop harrassing you.

Because my girlfriend is on the team. Because other guys' girlfriends are on the team. Because in the past 3 years the Volleyball team has been 26-5 at home and 18-11 on the road. We are there to support the girls who work so hard to succeed at their sport.

If we leave, we'll just be sending volleyball back into the category of teams with no fans. Andy Noel doesn't care. From his actions, you'd think he wants to kill any fan presence at Volleyball games. He started charging non-students two years ago, students this past year, and now he wants us to sit on our hands and be quiet. Maybe next year we'll need background checks before we can attend the games.

Leaving is not an option for us.

I'd be curious to see if Andy Noel is this strict and unaccommodating at wrestling competitions.