The sun is out, burgers are grilling and the smell of Busch Light wafts through the air. The tennis courts and the rock on Farm Lane are swarming with students, parents and fans alike. The tailgating that began mid-morning and led into late afternoon results in three hours of pure adrenaline.

It's a football Saturday. It's game time.

As Spartan fans filter through the gates of Spartan Stadium, the intensity starts to build. The anticipation of what is about to happen becomes the fuel for upcoming cheers. The players are stretching and warming up on the field and security directs everyone to their seats. AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" blasts through the speakers while "The Spartan" cuts through the graphic mascot of the opposing team. It is at this time when the tone of the game goes from light-hearted and fun to unintentionally disrespectful.

The booing begins.

As the first game of our season proceeded, the Western Michigan marching band took the field. Their fight song rang through the stands; hateful screams and explicit terms were heard.

Is that really necessary?

It's one thing to have school spirit and root for your own football team, but it's another to be cruel to the marching band from another university displaying its own talent out on the field.

Most people don't realize how much hard work and practice the band goes through every day so students can enjoy the harmonious notes to the "Michigan State Fight Song." Not only do they play the songs that accompany our cheers, they continuously work on producing a half-time show - one which most student fans pay little or no attention to.

Why would you disrespect the marching band? What does that show?

Of course, there is the playful camaraderie of being united and supporting our team. But just like anything else, there is an etiquette that we should all abide by. Most social situations have a list of unwritten rules, whether it be in the classroom, at work or even how you act toward your family. Sporting events should be the same.

We are all in a public place where people of all ages come together to watch a sporting event. Swearing, spitting and screaming are not necessary. Yes, we are college students, but that also means we are young adults of at least 18 years of age. It should be somewhat easy to keep a peaceful environment.

American culture is always caught up in sports. In many ways, it is a chance for people to spend time together and socialize.

Socialize? Yes.

Become unruly and use derogatory terms? No.

Poor sportsmanship is not only at MSU - it is everywhere. Whether it's high school or little league, basketball or soccer, all ages and generations can exhibit disrespectful behavior. This illegitimate conduct is becoming a social norm. We are setting a bad example for all that are to come.

Under all of the advertisements, conference titles and contract signing, we are left with one ultimate theme.

It's just a game.

There will be a winner and a loser. There will be ups and downs. We have to remember the sport itself. The love of the game - that is where our spirit should come from. Cheer extra loud for your own team instead of booing the opposition. Silence can be more powerful than words.

Watch sports for the recreation and exhilaration, not to get worked up about who wins and who doesn't. Appreciate the talent and the execution of good plays for both teams that are playing.

Remember the simplicity, the rules and the touchdowns. Forget what rank we are in the Big Ten. When you look back on your college days, you won't remember that in 2002, our record was 4-8. You will remember the good times you had with family and friends on those warm Saturday afternoons.

When you get a whiff of a warm Busch Light as you come back as an alumnus, you'll think back and smile. As you walk in the gates of Spartan Stadium, the anxious feeling will grow in the pit of your stomach just as it did years before.

It's game time.

Bethany Chismark is a State News intern. She can be reached at chismar3@msu.edu.