November 14, 2009
To All Ithaca College Fans,
As the regular season for football winds down, the anticipation for the Cortaca Jug is felt throughout campus. This tradition is something that we as a football team look forward to year round. We take pride in representing our legacy and the Ithaca College student body against our opponents, especially against Cortland.
As players, we love the atmosphere created by the fans, and we appreciate the support we receive. The great attendance and participation of the student body is a big part of what makes this game so special. In saying this, we also have to acknowledge some of the behavior that can negatively affect the atmosphere. Disrespect shown towards players on either side of the ball as well as towards officials has no place at the Jug. Vulgarity and obscene gestures are unnecessary and can offend other spectators such as family members of players. There is no room for altercations with opposing fans. Please leave the physicality to us on the field. We expect an atmosphere of excitement and intensity, but this does not have to come at the cost of respect. The football team takes pride in representing Ithaca College because of its reputation and class. We walk with a swagger onto the field because we know that we are prepared to represent a tradition that doesn’t need to be profane or disrespectful to be noticed.
Over the past few years there has been a serious issue involving fans storming the field at the end of the game. We have to ask that this does not continue. This rivalry is very strong and has a great deal of emotion tied to it. However, if the people that are participating in the game can show respect and shake hands after the game, there is no reason for our fans to show disrespect by taking destructive action like storming the field. You have to respect all the guys laying it on the line in this game, even if some of them are wearing red.
We love our fans and the support that you provide and appreciate hearing you guys cheer from the opening kick off to the final whistle. Please represent our school in a way that makes us proud to represent you. We hope to see you all there on November 14th, loud and proud to be Bombers.
Adam Drescher, Captain
Matt Scalice, Captain
Brian Grastorf, Captain
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/20091109155520802