A big issue in our community is the difference between men’s and women’s sports. I am not here to make resolutions because larger organizations have already created ideas and strategies. I am here to reflect on and perhaps change, even if just a little, our visions for local sports. 

This weekend we will have the opportunity to show many people, mainly the players, the support they deserve. We will have the double whiteout; the women’s ice hockey team will play at 3 p.m. and the men’s will play at 7 p.m. These women deserve a packed arena, not just because of their fantastic season and the excellent opportunity to win the SUNYAC championship. The biggest reason we should all go and make that place full is their daily dedication to playing. Being a college athlete is not easy, of course, it is fun and crucial, but many times it can be a harsh time. 

For many of them, sports mean everything; sports are what make them get up and are what keeps them alive. So winning a championship for your college could easily be the best day of many of those players’ lives. And for those who watch or play sports, you know the difference a crowd can make. During almost every men’s whiteout, the arena is packed and practically sold out, while for the women’s team, unfortunately, we do not see the same effort to support them. 

To be honest, before I became more active in watching the Lakers play and going to their games to write about them, I did not have this notion. I think many people reading this do not either. I had never thought about it, but as I got closer to the players and covered the games, I realized how much the fans were missing. Obviously, the player’s dedication and determination will be there, but with external mental encouragement such as fans, you feel stronger and play better. You feel like you are drawing strength from where you did not even know you had it. So again, I just ask a favor of anyone reading this: call your friends, get together this Saturday and pack the Deb. Let us make this an unforgettable night and make the dreams of many women who play for the Lakers come true.

Photo by: Oswego Flickr