I had a headache last night, and ringing in my ears. It didn’t come from my car stereo, and not from cheering on the Red Sox last night. I blame it on the short woman sitting behind me at the Class L Junior Varsity Basketball Tournament yesterday at Manchester West High School.

When I picked out a seat in the gym before the Manchester Memorial vs. Merrimack game, I looked for a group of fellow Crusaders fans. What I didn’t anticipate, was the Tomahawks parents on the other side of me. I don’t mind sitting with the opposition at games. Occassionally one of my son’s friends will be on the other team, like Manchester Central or Trinity High School. I just make sure I get my taunting and teasing in with our friends while our team is up!

Yesterday’s game was a close one, and we didn’t expect it would go right down to the wire. After all, Memorial had beaten Merrimack during the regular season by a big margin. As the minutes ticked away, the short lady behind me grew louder and louder. I have no problem with people cheering on their kids with passion, but the sarcasm and excuses she kept blurting out were annoying.

At one point near the end of the game, she said something like, “They just want the Manchester teams to win this.” The excuses just kept coming out, one after another. And, her shreeking voice was loud enough, without waiting for things to get quiet before giving the referees an ear full. That Merrimack fan could use a class in sportsmanship.

Tonight’s semifinal games are postponed until Tuesday, with the championship on Thursday night. Memorial will take on Londonderry, and Pinkerton Academy plays Bishop Guertin. I encourage parents and students to all come out and watch the kids play. Cheer them on with passion, but keep the sarcastic comments and excuses to yourself. You never know who is sitting in front of you.

-Bob Hammerstrom

Tags: Academy, Astros, Basketball, Bishop Guertin, bob hammerstrom, cardinals, Crusaders, Derry, Fans, High School, junior varsity, JV, Lancers, Londonderry, manchester, Memorial, Merrimack, Nashua, new hampshire, NH, Parents, pinkerton, School, tomahawks, tournamen, west