To the editor:

I am writing as a supplement or post script to the letter that was sent to BHS students and families as well as a recent editorial regarding the report that “some Barrington high school students were potentially disrespectful towards an opposing team’s players.”  

I would like to recognize the numerous students who have shown up for their classmates to fill the stands after three years of covid restrictions to cheer for the BHS boys basketball team. I have sat amongst the beloved bird cage contingency and I am so proud of the school spirit and enthusiasm they show for their fellow classmates.

For 10 years I have sat in opposing gyms for my three sons and heard taunts hurled at them, swears and threats.  I have never experienced this at BHS. Even as recently as this past Friday when our boys were playing in an opposing gym my son was yelled at while he was at the foul line. A parent from a very well respected private school in our league yelled expletives at our fans who had traveled to a game. Another one of our players has had to endure the chant “overrated” at more than one opposing gym. Our boys show fortitude and resilience in incredibly loud, physical, challenging games.  

I can 100 percent guarantee that when our players face an opposing team at their gym their fans are not “applauding both teams for their athletic performance.” 

Our student body works hard to create a fun, supportive environment through the bird cage. Our fans make a conscious choice to get dressed up, make signs, cheer and show up for their friends. Would we rather they were quiet or even worse didn’t show up and chose to engage in other behaviors away from BHS on a Friday night.

Recently some schools have been the focus of media for attention for extremely negative, derogatory comments and behaviors during this basketball season. If in fact our students engaged in any such behaviors I know our administration will deal with them accordingly. 

On the contrary, we have the best fans and student body in the state and the words we use to describe their behavior should be chosen carefully so as not to imply any wrong doing. 

Thank you BHS students for showing up this year at our home games you have truly made a difference for our boys and helped to make this season their most memorable of all four years at BHS! Go Eagles!

Sara Bonneau

Barrington