Sports teams receive unequal recognition

So far this year, thirteen different sports have completed their season. Broken down into the men’s and women’s junior varsity and varsity teams, JC has 33 teams that play during the fall and winter seasons. Out of that many teams, how many people can say that they truly know about every team’s accomplishments?

Recently, I’ve found myself truly frustrated. I feel that certain sport teams are honored for their accomplishments more than others. There are many sports teams that are barely recognized for their achievements. It seems like the only teams receiving recognition lately are women’s and men’s basketball.

Women’s and men’s swimming, women’s indoor soccer, and women’s field hockey are just a few teams that have had tremendous seasons but received little or no recognition. It seems like there’s only certain teams that can be commended.

Also, the women’s varsity volleyball team was barely recognized. Being a player on the team, it was amazing when we came back from a 0-2 deficit to win the championships 3-2, on top of being the only fall sport to win a championship. However, we received no official praise until a week after it was over.

I feel that students and faculty should take the initiative to show more school spirit, especially at moments that mean so much to the players, like playoff and championship games. It’s the time where the team and its players’ drive and dedication are truly tested.

If more students and faculty came to support them, it would make that special moment all the more sentimental. Especially when every team at this school is representing JC, the members of the community should feel the responsibility to support their fellow peers.

I’m not trying to take anything away from any sports teams. I actually want to say congratulations to them for their hard-work and achievements, whether they be big or small. Being on a competitive athletic team, I understand how much commitment and dedication is necessary to be the best.

I don’t have a personal vendetta against any team that has taken the spotlight. It’s actually quite the opposite. I am so proud to say that I go to JC because we have to some of the best and brightest here. I just wish that all teams and clubs would be recognized equally.

Caroline Spath is a Multimedia Editor for “The Patriot” and jcpatriot.com.