school spirit/pride

<p>Do kids go to the football games? what about school spirit and pride?</p>

<p>Home football games are popular social events for students, although many leave in the second half -- for other social events -- an odd tradition if you ask me. So are other sports, esp. lacrosse. But this is Div III, so many students are playing/practicing their own sport (1 out of approx 4 students play varsity sports, most others participate in club/intramural sports.)</p>

<p>As for school spirit, that exists strongly, independent of sports! (Check out the wonderful Bookstore -- someone is buying all those great W&L things.) The overwhelming majority of students are proud of the school, its academic standing, its heritage and its traditions. This reflects that 4 yrs at W&L is for so many "the time of their lives," educationally and otherwise. One way to measure this is by looking at alumni support, both in terms of networking and financial contributions. W&L ranks at the top of both on a national scale. In fact, a chief reason we initially looked at the school is the devotion we have seen in W&L alumni in our community.</p>

<p>My D and her friends on different teams support each other at home events. She is always saying they are going to a field hockey/soccer/whatever game. I was at a couple of her competitions this fall and saw non-team Generals supporting the team.</p>

<p>She is home this week for spring break. Yesterday she was wearing her ODAC champion W&L fleece and her Trident-monogrammed running pants out and about the DC area. Today she has on a W&L stitched-letter shirt (similar to what the Greeks wear for letters). Apparently a grad came up to her at the mall and introduced himself.</p>

<p>Similar stories from S, who is on lacrosse team, about attending soccer, football, basketball games to root for friends. Have seen same at his games. </p>

<p>And he also seems to be able to wear W&L clothing for most occasions. Even RL Polo shirts, shorts, oxfords now come with W&L name and Trident logo!</p>