I attended a junior varsity John Marshall at Austin game (on Thursday, Sept. 11). I have a nephew playing for the Austin Packers, and I have a daughter the same age at Rochester JM. I also am a JM graduate class of 1987, who was a sports writer for The Austin Daily Herald. The reason for stating this background should help clarify that I have a big connection to both towns and schools.

I was appalled by the fact that some of JM’s fans would actually laugh at an Austin player if they were penalized. I don’t feel it’s necessary to degrade players at this level.

After Austin got back in to the game with a touchdown, the JM fans reacted by questioning the Referee’s every move. There were some bad calls, but there are also bad calls in the NFL with instant replays and fancy camera angles.

Some of the calls are subjective. Come on JM fans, we are way too good to have to show this type of attitude. There was an “inadvertent whistle” that cost Austin possession of the ball late in the game, and the Austin Packer fans handled it with class. I say lay off the ref’s because that’s a tough, thankless job. Cheer for your team, and keep it positive. Both these teams have a lot of talent and plenty to look forward to. Be an example to the students that we don’t have to blame the officials when faced with adversity. No person should really be booing at this level. Keep that stuff for the pros where it belongs.

Patrick W. Shumaker

Rochester