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Pep band prez: actions of a few tarnish CU image

Posted 2/13/12

To the Editor: I wanted to respond to a Sound Off that ran on Jan. 30 (“Rude Pep Band,” NorthCountryNow.com) about the Clarkson Pep Band’s conduct at a recent Women’s Hockey game at St. …

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Pep band prez: actions of a few tarnish CU image

Posted

To the Editor:

I wanted to respond to a Sound Off that ran on Jan. 30 (“Rude Pep Band,” NorthCountryNow.com) about the Clarkson Pep Band’s conduct at a recent Women’s Hockey game at St. Lawrence.

First and foremost I would like to apologize on behalf of the Pep Band for the unacceptable behavior exhibited by a few members. There is absolutely no justification for the actions of those band members, and students who were involved in this incident. Nor does this reflect the pep band that I have been involved with for several years now.

I am ashamed that a comment so trivial, yet so hurtful has tarnished the reputation that so many alumni and students have tried to build.

I would like to note that this incident involved a few individual members of the band, not the entire group present at the game, or the pep band as a whole.

Unfortunately this tasteless comment from a handful affects the entire group. This is why the entire pep band will accept responsibility for the incident, and move on as a better group because of it.

It is not an easy task controlling 30 college aged hockey fans in the middle of an excellent rivalry game, but we can do better.

I hope that everyone, Clarkson and St. Lawrence fans young and old, can learn a good lesson from this situation and pay more respect to what is said in the heat of the moment.

Too often at these close games there is an unacceptable amount of negative language and actions taking place from all sides.

The pep band is clearly not a shining example of sportsmanship, nor does this excuse the behavior recently exhibited, but I think it’s a point worth noting. College hockey is a proud community tradition in St. Lawrence County and it shouldn’t be spoiled with disrespectful words or actions that take away from the game.

Despite this setback, the Clarkson Pep Band will continue to be a positive force at Clarkson University, supporting Men’s and Women’s Hockey and the institution as a whole. I think the band as a whole has a heightened sense of our significance at hockey games, and this will make us a better band and better people in the long run.

I hope the community can forgive us for this unacceptable act, and continue to join us in our support for Clarkson. I welcome those involved to contact the band at any point, our e-mail address is cupband@clarkson.edu.

Matthew Froass, president

Clarkson Pep Band Executive Board