[EOC]

Originally Posted by SuperJake

When I'm not wearing my green, I sometimes overhear people talking about my team with disgust in their voice. They say that everyone is standing up, dancing, and having a good time just because we want the team spirit award. This frustrates me beyond reason. A spirited bunch of high schoolers is something that is rather difficult to fabricate on demand. Most of the students I've had the pleasure of knowing are just out having a good time. The head scout, Bernie, is really a crazy guy in real life. He, along with the help of some crazy parents, are just having a good time. Actually, the crazy parents mentioned previously (Tom Z and Karen O especially) are supporting the team even after their kids went off to college in a far away land.

Is it so hard to believe that people stand up, dance, cheer, and have a good time because they truly are having a good time?

<edit> I said 'most of the students' without talking about the others. The students that aren't in the stands having a good time are usually in the pits, on the competition team, or sitting in the stands quietly. Usually they are just sitting there because they are writing a scouting report, jumping up and down is not their thing, or they are tired, or what have you. Still others just like walking around the pits, playing outside with other teams, or hanging out talking outside of the arena where it is quieter. And then, of course, there is the 4% of people always in transition between the bathroom and eating. </edit>

I observed your team at the championship with a certain degree of envy as our team sat in the stands with little enthusiasm. Your team spirit seemed genuine and unrehearsed; everyone was enjoying themselves. You provided a great role model for other teams.