It’s all in your perspective!

As I woke up this morning and looked at the calendar the realization has hit that this week is the true start of the football season!

Clinton opens up on the road at Newberry, Laurens is at home against BHP, Whitmire has a home game, while Ware Shoals is on the road at Saluda, and Laurens Academy is at home against Patrick Henry.

Add to the mix, USC opens up the college season at home on national television Thursday against NC State; I get an up close view of Presbyterian College taking on Wofford in Spartanburg Saturday night. Clemson, in a made-for-TV money game tries to start the road to that elusive ACC title when they play Alabama in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Last time I checked, Clemson doesn’t have such fond memories of that place.

Saturday also sees SC State hit the playing field to collect a hefty paycheck from Central Florida. The list could go on and on.

This time of year the optimism of fans, true fans at least, is always high. Every team has an unblemished record. And fans are charged up for the upcoming season.

Sadly, that optimism for some erodes to cynicism and name-calling and coach bashing.

In my many years in broadcasting I have seen many games at many levels. And I am constantly amazed at how some “fans” will pay their money to come to a game only to sit on their hands and even get irritated when people around them actually get into the game and cheer their teams.

Granted, when you pay your money for a ticket, logic tells me that, within reason, you have the right to sit on your hands if you want too.

That being said, are you really a true fan? Never underestimate the power of a crowd on impressionable athletes. Whether that be high school OR college.

Coaches and old school cynics will tell you that athletes should ignore the fans. And, to a certain extent they’re right. At the same time, I have to believe and have heard it countless times from athletes that yes, indeed, they hear the fans--the good, bad, and unconscionable.

The fans have a great opportunity this year to set a great example for the athletes.

They can stand up, clap, and even actually raise their voices in CHEERING positive things. Last time I checked, it wasn’t against the rules for fans to get loud when the opponent has the ball to try to distract the opposing team.

Last time I checked it was perfectly acceptable to make some noise when your team makes a first down.

And, most important of all, it’s ok to come to a game and let loose a little. I have even seen accountants, who have the stigma as being very subdued “bean counters,” actually unbutton that top button on their shirts and let loose for three hours!

The fans have the chance to actually be a reinforcing positive influence this year. Take advantage of it! And I am not singling out any one team. I could give you examples of many high schools and college teams whose fans at times have been less than positive. I even remember getting a cell phone call while I was in Indianapolis a few years back from a certain high school game in Columbia in December where some fans where showing their true colors in the direction of the coaches wives and significant others!

Take this tongue in cheek and for what it’s meant to do. If you are a true fan you’re agreeing with me, if you’re not, and I have struck a nerve…good, maybe it was the wake-up call you needed.

See you at the games. There’s plenty to choose from!