One of the most anticipated games of the season nears – not only a top-10 matchup between two football powerhouses, but the meeting of two teams that have dealt with terrible tragedy. Amid the excitement of the first home game and first real opponent, LSU fans should remember the core of Southern values: hospitality. Rumors have surfaced that distasteful signs and humor may be displayed regarding the April 16 massacre at Virginia Tech, where 33 students and faculty died, including the shooter, Seung-Hui Cho. Hopefully these rumors are just that. If these signs did show up, they would disgrace LSU, the state and the entire Gulf Coast. If, two years ago, Arizona State fans had waved signs making fun of Hurricane Katrina when the Tigers traveled to Sun Devil Stadium for their first “home game,” LSU would have been outraged, to say the least. In their time of healing, Virginia Tech fans need to be fed jambalaya and bourbon and be welcomed as Southerners by association and brothers in tragedy. LSU coach Les Miles and team captains Matt Flynn, Craig Steltz and Glenn Dorsey issued a letter through Athletic Director Skip Bertman’s September Cyber-Side Chat reminding fans of the importance of good sportsmanship. “As students, fans and alumni from Virginia Tech come to the LSU campus for the Hokies’ first road football game of the 2007 season, we know Tiger fans will welcome them with open arms and sympathetic hearts,” the letter read. “The people of Louisiana are known for their heartfelt compassion and gracious hospitality, and on this occasion we hope everyone will pay particular respect to the Virginia Tech players and their fans.” It is a worry that should not have to be in the coaches’ minds, and Miles said he could not imagine anyone enjoying humor at the Hokies’ expense. “I can only say I can’t imagine that that’s called humor to be honest with you,” Miles said. “The only people that I have reference to are very concerned for the well-being of all the people in the Virginia Tech area and making sure that they heal strong and get on to what is their natural day-to-day routine.” LSU has already taken the proper steps to welcome Virginia Tech. Two parachutists will fly into Tiger Stadium on Saturday wearing each team’s flag, and after a moment of silence the Tiger Band will play Virginia Tech’s alma mater. It is believed to be the first time a visitor’s alma mater will be played in the stadium. Just as LSU is reaching out to its partners in tragedy and recovery, so should the fans.
—–Contact Krysten Oliphant at koliphant@lsureveille.com