7 comments:

• posted at 10:44 am on Tue, Jan 5, 2010.

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  .I have an interesting observation.I've noticed that with "small team sports" such as basketball, less players are getting a chance to play. This is particularly evident at the Freshman and JV levels, where player development used to be the focus - and now winning is the only focus.This means less family members come out to games to see "little Johnny" sit on the bench.That can equate to dozens and dozens of empty seats when you consider that only 7 or 8 players on a team of 13 or 14 get a chance to play.If this is true, then the high school sports programs that follow this philosophy are getting what they deserve.. fewer fans, less revenue.

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• posted at 7:50 am on Thu, Dec 31, 2009.

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  That should read Flame Fanatics

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• posted at 7:49 am on Thu, Dec 31, 2009.

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  Great article. Being a past student of Lodi High, it really saddens me to see the poor fan participation at all the Flames events. The Fan Fanatics make a grand entrance and do not seem to carry on the spirit through the games. I have even heard the athletes say they wish Lodi would cheer more and root there teams on. I have been at more than 1 event in LODI and have witnessed more team spirit from the visiting team than our own. So LODI, lets bring the FLAME SPIRIT back!! Best of Luck to all the Flame teams in all sports.

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• posted at 4:25 am on Wed, Dec 30, 2009.

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  Great article, Richard. As a former athlete, I know how much it means when the community demonstrates its support by getting behind athletes and attending sporting events. You were spot on in your observation of what effect empty stands have on morale. I hope that your rallying cry is heard and taken to heart - the kids, the schools and the community deserve it. Peace...

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• posted at 2:29 am on Wed, Dec 30, 2009.

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  Great article Richard. Yes to observe packed stands for sporting events was a thing of the past, although the Lodi – Tokay games are usually have the most audience at games, local teams bring out the spectators – hope so see more games of Tokay and Lodi..Look forward to the community to rally behind your expressions and support the high school sporting events.

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• posted at 2:24 am on Wed, Dec 30, 2009.

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  Rich nice article, I would love to see more people in the stands also,for all the sports. The LNS could help out a little bit by doing more to promote some of the sporting events. In the 80's they would pick a player our two during the week and biuld up some hype before the game on Friday nights, all we see is the small printed scedule, and way to many articles off the wire. Dont get me wrong you write some of the best articles but i think the papaer could do more. Thanks, and keep up the good work!!

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• posted at 2:16 am on Wed, Dec 30, 2009.

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  Good article Richard. These extremely important programs are in real peril. We need to support them.

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