The next meeting of the Alumni Association will be on Tuesday, October 7, 2003, at 6:30 p.m. in Room 201- (check "LHS Quick Notes" for any last minute changes of date, time or room).
At the Alumni Meeting, Monday- September 29, 2003-
REPORT:
THE REST OF THIS PAGE IS ONLY ABOUT THE GAME EVENT AND RELATED ISSUES - Assorted observations and comments were made regarding the September19th Football Game at Lincoln.-
1. Disturbances
There was, first of all, the issue of the spectators entering the Lincoln bleachers with Cathedral jerseys, and then being subjected to an assortment of flying objects from those already seated.
It was the understanding at the meeting that wearing this type of clothing was a basis for barring admittance to the game, as a safety issue.
It was also noted that the persons throwing the objects were each blameworthy for such unjustified and unsportsman-like behavior. This was an embarrassment for the rest of the alumni to have this behavior present. This all happened before the game, and there were no other incidents in the stands that evening.
It was also observed that the irresponsible conduct of a few brings consequences affecting the rest of the persons who are there to cheer the alma mater on and have a good time.We did not get lights on our field until the 90th year of existence.
We don't want to have any risk that future events will be cancelled because of the behavior of a few persons.
2. School Spirit- Most of the alumni were at the meeting were from times when we had a lot of pride in the school and our teams. Some comments at the meeting reflected the observations made of the current students who were complaining about the performance of the football teams. There were complaints relayed to us that the Cheerleaders seemed to be less and less enthusiastic as the game went on.
3. Team Support -Some members reported hearing student comments at and after the game which showed lots of criticism and negativity. Mainly, to the effect that "if the team doesn't win, why should we come?" Everyone should be proud of our accomplishments as a school. First, we have enough dedicated people to staff the coaching roles and take up the responsibilities. Second, there are students who are willing to measure up to the physical demands and the mental disciplines that are required in the sports program.Whether the team wins or loses, there should be support for these students making the effort and representing LHS on the field. It would be good for people to make an effort to support and represent LHS well in the stands..
The idea of a season is that there are more games, and each one brings more experience and learning, just like life, even though its only a game. It should be enjoyed, and not used as something else to be negative about. It's easy to complain. It's not as easy to actually DO something that's positive.
4. Flag Protocol- We have lots of veterans of military service and several wars as part of our alumni. Many noticed an error in the presentation of colors. Our ROTC Color Guard was there to present the flag which should have happened to start off the event, but the Ribbon-Cutting happened first. It was an error in protocol, hopefully, one that will not happen again. Lincoln produced many veterans over the years, and they served and some died for this country to have the freedoms that are being enjoyed like no other country in the world. Proper respect is shown by observance of correct flag procedures at our public events.5. Ticket Prices- There was supposed to be a Gate Price of $7.00, with the advance sale going for $5.00 for adults. Complaints were made by people who said the could have bought ticket for the same price at the game and did not save anything.
Two things about this- the information WAS correct about ticket prices when the information was distributed.. This change was made by the school's business office, not by the Alumni Association or by its members. The Quick Notes section reported this fact before the date of the game.Next, there was no money lost by this. If you want to pay the higher price than was planned, that still isn't so bad since it goes to the school.
Future prices may be the same- it isn't made clear at this point just how permanent any of this is going to be.
6. Parking- Still going to be tough. Gates St. School parking was going to be free, but a $3.00 fee was later decided by the powers that be. A van service was operating until about 6:30 p.m. but it was not clear to me at the meeting just where the drop off point actually was.
Handicapped Access- nothing clear so far; call THE SCHOOL for information on the arrangements IN ADVANCE of the next game.7. Alumni Attendance- It was especially heartening to see the vast numbers of alumni coming to the game. The home seating was rated at 2100, and some estimates had the attendance at 2400.
Alumni Half-Time presentations cut out.. Unfortunately, the Alumni Association's plans for a using a few minutes at half-time was scrapped. The plan was to acknowledge the presence of special alumni and to make announcements of upcoming events, but it was dashed by aan apparently unilateral decision to give the drill team, cheerleaders, and dance team personnel a little more time on the field.
So that is why the Alumni were not addressed at half time, even though the majority of the fans are themselves LHS alumni and may have been interested to hear some of the things going on . (Another minus on promoting school spirit, which will need improvement.)
Lack of Public Address Announcements, during the game, about upcoming events was something that needs to be remedied. There were no substantial announcements that would have provided fans current information about upcoming events for alumni and friends. Another area for improvement..
PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS
Acknowledgment of the many donors of time, money and merchandise is an important part of the event is not unreasonable, but was not made, and there was only one announcement (by my count) about food booth that the Alumni Association had, with pastrami sandwiches supplied by Dino's. Public acknowledgement of help from donors is a simple courtesy that should be extended to those who give to make these events a more enjoyable experience and encourange continued support by such sponsors.
SECURITY - The school district police appeared to have their own congregation set up to view the game rather than circulate throughout the venue and maintain visibility.
There are at least two ways to operate the security functions most events. One method is the subtle, low profile, even undercover, approach where the security presence is not readily detectible, but there is an ability to respond to emergency situations when needed, and to observe people engaging in undesirable conduct, entering the situation at such times.
The other method I have seen used often is to have a high profile presence, circulating throughout the venue to make it clearly known that the police are there checking things out, thus operating as a deterrent to problems. The second method, more than the first, gives the fans some idea that there is an element of protection or vigilance present. Aside from one officer passing through the stands, second method was not in operation that night.Off Site Security
There is a lot going on in the street after the game and it was not encouraging to see 3 or 4 school police cars at the foot of the hill at Lincoln Park Avenue and North Broadway, stopped in the street instead of patrolling to check on the things like the large groups of people lingering at spots down the street. LAPD came by afterwards became involved with such things, and the "checkpoint" was thinned out. Granted, we do not know what was happening at the time to keep so many school officers tied up in one place, but casual observation did not reveal any particular need to be present. Enlightenment on this aspect would be welcome, as we support the men and women who have this task.
It's a tough job. All of this was part of the first time nature of this night game. It should all be more thoroughly coordinated for the next game to enhance the whole event.
DO PLAN TO ATTEND THE NEXT GAME
Belmont at Lincoln, Friday, October 10th, 7:00 p.m., with Fr./Soph. at 4 p.m.
Homecoming is October 31st v. Los Angeles High.