Pride, sportsmanship, respect and safety are words West Virginia University and Morgantown police officials will continue to stress this season as the Mountaineers prepare for Saturdays home opener.
Officials in recent years have been more proactive in reminding fans of the consequences of unruly behavior as well as stepping up enforcement regarding underage drinking, open container laws, illegal burnings and other unlawful acts.
We want to again send a clear message to not only our studentsbut to all fansthat this type of behavior will not be tolerated,said WVU Police Chief Bob Roberts.Both University and Morgantown law enforcement will be cracking down on campus and city violators. Individuals will be held accountable for their actions,he said.
He reminded fans that some students were expelled and many others received a range of disciplinary sanctions in 2004 and 2005 during post-game football and basketball celebrations.
Since that time, campus and local police have stepped up enforcement efforts in the hope of creating a safer and more positive environment for Mountaineer fans before, during and following athletic eventswhether home or away.
Roberts says the crack down has worked.
Our student fans last football and basketball season, for the most part, were great,Roberts said.They were very spirited and loud, but not disruptive. The players love them and often come to the student end of the footfall field to celebrate and singCountry Roadswhen the game is over. We want to see that type of positive enthusiasm continueincluding after the game as well.
Our team makes us proud on the field, and likewise, fans should make the team proud in the stands and at game celebrations,he added.
Vice President for Student Affairs Ken Gray agrees.
We want to ensure that all fansyoung and old alikecan come to the game and enjoy it without incident,Gray said.And, just as important, we want the focus to shine squarely on the team and playing fieldnot any inappropriate actions by fans.
Patrols inside and outside the stadiumparticularly in areas where complaints have been the heaviesthave been increased in recent years, Roberts said, adding that a steady security presence has been maintained throughout the stands.
Police and security are on hand for pre- and post-game activities as well, he added, where celebrations take place in stadium tailgating areas and other parts of the city.
Our main goal is to provide a fun, safe and secure atmosphere for all fans, so we will be keeping a watchful eyealong with local and state policeon any dangerous or illegal activity,Roberts said.And, I want to make it clear that this message is not just geared toward studentsbut all fans. Sometimes, students are the ones singled out unfairly.
Individuals observed engaging in dangerous or disruptive activity will be subject to immediate removal from the stadium and possible criminal charges. Unacceptable activities include throwing objects in the stadium or onto the playing field; entering the playing field; using obscene language; or possessing alcohol.
Additionally, WVU students will be referred to the Universitys Office of Judicial Affairs for sanctions ranging from community service and counseling to suspension and expulsion. Students will also lose their athletic privileges.
We feel its important to remind fans, including our students, to cheer enthusiastically and proudly, but to be respectful and courteous of those around you and uphold high standards of sportsmanship,Gray said.
We also want to provide a family-friendly atmosphere and a respectful environment for visiting fans and teams,he added.
Its clear that WVU and the City of Morgantown want sporting events in our hometown to be fun, safe and enjoyable for everyone,Gray added.
WVU will host FanFest, the annual beginning of the season pep rally, at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, on the Mountainlair Plaza to kick off what should bean exciting season,Gray said.