Editor,
It was great to be present for Wednesday night’s victory over TCU at The Pit. The game was exhilarating, the crowd was loudly cheering on our men in cherry and silver and a crowd rushed the floor when the victory was sealed at the final buzzer. All in all, you would think that this was a great experience for any Lobo to have. There was, however, a group of fanatics that made the game a bit less fun, and a whole lot more worrisome.
You see, this week at UNM is Greek Week. As part of our annual tradition, the Greek community shows up for a game in force to support the Lobos and our organizations. I am lucky enough to be a member of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc., an organization that is based upon community service, academics and pride.
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and Lambda Theta Phi were invited to take part in a short recognition opportunity during half time because we have both been nominated for an award that recognizes outstanding student organizations. On our way back up to our seats in the stands, a member of Lobo Howl accosted us. Amongst the slew of curses that he screamed at us, he asked us where our “Lobo Red” was, and said we should not have shown up to the game because we were wearing our traditional brown and white Greek letter shirts. “How dare you!” he screamed. He was not the only member of his organization to taunt us and other members of the Greek system. Many fans said things like, “F*** these frat boys! I hate Greeks!” It was not a very good thing for us to hear, but we just kept our eyes on the game and did not respond.
So, I ask you, does the fact that we attended a game wearing our letters with pride make us inferior Lobos? No. I have attended many games in the past wearing my Lobo Red, and I wouldn’t doubt that I have had a seat next to the very same people who were accosting and disrespecting us.
Does the fact that I was not wearing my letters at those games make me an inferior Greek? No. So then, who would you rather have representing your university: a group of men who seek to better themselves and our community through dedicated service, or a cursing man with a clown face and a Lobo jersey? I don’t want to imply that all members of Lobo Howl are in favor of or display this type of behavior, as there were many who were focused on what we were really there for: to support our team, the University of New Mexico Lobos.
I just hope that those members of the group who were out of line realize that individual behavior reflects upon the group as a whole, its leadership and its intentions.
P.S. Go Lobos!
Timoteo Serna
UNM student
