The ‘ ‘winning’ fan Whatever happened to the sports fan? Don't you remember, the people who used to go to the games to support their teams? Whether they won or lost? Oh... you don’t remember. Well, I guess it was a long time ago. Long before the new way of support came into being. The new way? You should know all about that. It’s what ‘fans’ do now. In fact they should have bumper stickers out very shortly reading ‘we support winners’. Period. No ifs or buts. Winners only. No others need apply. Vancouver fans seem to be great at it. Look at the Whitecaps. Struggling. And not looking too graceful during the struggle. And what of those noble true blue fans who jammed Robson Square last year swearing undying love and devotion? They're booing - and jearing - and calling the players, and coaches, and management, a bunch of bums. Even though last year they were super- men. Sure a certain amount of a let down and disappointment is to be expected from the fans simply because there has been a let down and dis- appointment from the team. But the degree of this dis- appointment is what is shocking. While it may surprise some of the dimmer bulbs in the stands, and after the last home game there seemed to be considerable numbers of them, this team is trying. They are trying very hard. Their desire to win and succeed goes much deeper than old Joe Fan in_ the stands. Joe can _ bellyache and boo and whine, but his job is stil secure in the morning. The players don't quite feel the same way when they lose. Besides, they also have pride. A heck of a lot of it. Analyze each member of this team and look at the experience and pride. Even the new kids, they also have the pride and fight to be part of this team. After all, they proved they were the best last year. THE ONLY THING But the fans, and some members of the media seem to live under the delusion that winning is the only thing - ever. Through the years in the world of sports there have been losers. Teams that made a tradition of losing, so much so that when they had a winning season, support fell off. Their fans didn't recognize them any more. But they had their fans. The old Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Rangers when Gump Worsley was with them. And most Western Football teams when it came to the Grey Cup. Yet they kept their fans. Over the years the fans of some of these teams came to identify with the club and the players. They became an integral part of the com- munity, and as such became a source of pride. And when things didn’t go well, the fans were there to help en- courage and sympathize and maybe just bleed a little with the team during their ‘down’ umes. But we're too sophisticated for that now. Now is the time for the fancy quip from the back row beer belly supporters to jeer and make fun of someone like Bob Lenarduzzi because he is a success with the game and his commercials. Could it be called the jealousy syndrome? Or kicking him while he’s down? What is so shocking is that there almost appears to be certain gleeful satisfaction among some of the ‘fans’ now that the team is having their problems. DOES MEDIA HELP? Perhaps some of this comes from the more high profile media types who seem to believe that their job is not so much to inform but to entertain with their smart quips and totally negative and cynical outpauring of ‘opinions’. Where is the support and encouragement people are supposed to have for each other when troubles arise? Where is fan support? It's not pleasant sitting in the stands listening to the dumb ones venting their rather ignorant spleens. Let’s hear from some of the good guys for a change. If there are any of you left out there who are willing to support rather than destroy. BS-Wednesday, May 14, 1980 - North Shore News SLEEPING BAGS GREAT Sean 201 LONSDALE 980-3313 Seymour Golf & Country Ciub still has a few memberships available in Men’s Full Play category. For information please phone: The Pro The Office 929-2611 929-5491 CAPILANO. THUNDERBIRDS Boys and Girls SOCCER REGISTRATION FOR 1980-81 SEASON May 14, Wed. Norgate Elem. School 6:30-8 p.m. 1295 Sowden Ave. May 14, Wed. Sowden Park 24th & Lloyd May 15, Thur. Sowden Park 24th & Lloyd Photo copies of birth certificates will be required for all players at registration. For further information call: 7638 6:30-8 p.m. 6:30-8 p.m. Tony Gardiner, 980- NEW PLAYERS WELCOME Home of White Glove Service 80 ACADIAN HATCHBACK ¢ GM's Word Car ¢ Rack & Pinion Steering « Fold Down Rear Seat ¢ Front Bucket Seats © Radia! 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