The recent decision to move the varsity cheerleading team in front of the student section at men’s basketball games — though seemingly trivial — should be reconsidered.
The move, made by UNC varsity cheerleading coach Brown Walters, the marketing department and officials at the Smith Center was intended to help make the student section appear more full during winter break games.
However, weeks after break, the cheerleaders remain on the court in front of the students — even when the student section is completely full.
Even though the cheerleading team doesn’t take seats away from students, it does obstruct students’ views. Megaphones and pom-poms can give students problems seeing the court.
Granted, the convenience of a few rabid basketball fans is not the most pressing issue at this University.
But these students spend hours in line waiting in the cold to get the best possible riser seats, in anticipation of a great view and the chance to get on TV. The best seats should go to the most dedicated fans.
Now, students who usually want to sit in the risers may opt out of sitting there in anticipation of a hindered view.
Walters, along with Carolina Fever and other organizations, has also worked to improve the environment in the Smith Center — and he has done a good job of it.
The new addition of a student who stands at the front of the student section with a white board has proven to be effective, allowing for more cohesion within the student section.
