As the opposing team switches to offense, they begin to push forward, advancing ever-closer to FC?s hoop. Almost in the blink of an eye, an Eagle defender makes a lunge, smacking the basketball forward to senior Cooper Belmont, who is already halfway down the court. With no guards to stop him, a layup is made, and FC gains an easy two points.

During this brief spell of time, fans would rapturously cheer and holler, engrossed in the game as they applaud the efforts of their team. Yet at times, triumph promotes the sort of elated feelings that allow some to get a little too caught up in what is meant to be a recreational activity. Frequently, what follows is a jeering of the opponent, an unsportsmanlike act that has recently earned the student body a slap on the wrist from the administration.

While many may laugh at the efforts being made to quell seemingly harmless heckling, The Feather staff believes it is the responsibility of the FC student body not only to respect the administration?s code of conduct, but also to maturely reserve themselves during any event.

It is our belief that, because we are the figurative body of a Christian high school, it is our duty as a community to act in a way that reflects Christ?s teachings and actions at all times. The ultimate evidence of this undertaking is in the way we come into contact with those both inside and outside the school?s environment. Yet, ironically, the majority of FC?s heckling problem currently stems from athletics, one of the key ways the student body interacts with others.

In a division that is predominantly secular, we should strive to display character that is Christ-like and considerate. For some, interaction with FC is one of the only times where a Christian environment is experienced, and it is crucial that we do not allow this to be tainted by actions that could be considered uncivil and even, at times, hateful.

As the apostle Paul writes in Colossians 4: 5-6: ?Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.?

Nowhere in the Bible will you read of Jesus booing a Pharisee, screaming profanities at a Gentile or yelling ?air ball? to his Disciples. That being said, it is ridiculous to even consider allowing guests of our school to be berated in such a manner.

At this point in the article, we feel it?s necessary to bring up the scope of FC?s fan base. We are perfectly aware that those in attendance of sporting events range from parents to alumni. Likewise, we are also aware that, at times, the majority of the derisiveness present in FC?s gym or field comes from these alternative sources, rather than the student section.

Taking this into consideration, if you are a guest of FC, it is uncalled to behave in such an inconsiderate way. No matter your affiliation to the school or your views on the subject at hand, it is disrespectful to belittle the efforts of anyone, whether they be a player or referee, in a facility that is meant to be spiritual in all of its undertakings. You would not yell at someone for being ?blind? at church, so we ask you to refrain from doing so on FC?s premises.

Additionally, we at The Feather feel the need to recognize the administration?s role in the problem. Their attempts to control the developing situation have been lukewarm, at best. A pamphlet on being a ?superfan? — does anybody get the comment about the snack bar? — and a five-minute lecture from Principal Todd Bennett are simply not enough to sway 180-something kids. If they seriously expect a positive reaction from the student body, the administration will, in the future, try to convey their standards in a way that won?t cultivate animosity from the majority of their audience.

While we acknowledge that it is an individual?s decision to heckle or not, The Feather staff challenges all in attendance of the next FC-hosted event to keep in mind the school?s creed of Christ-like behavior. Even though it is human nature to jeer one?s ?enemy,? we hope that those in FC stands will be conscious of their words and actions, demonstrating the love and kindness Christ taught of. It is our goal that, together, we can make a lasting impression on our visitors that is amiable, rather than malignant.

For more editorials, read the Jan. 23 article, EDITORIAL: First semester report card.