HOLYOKE — Holyoke public school officials say that they appreciate Amherst Regional High School’s investigation into unsportsmanlike fan behavior at a varsity girls soccer game on Sept. 23, but will continue to keep the incident and others like it on the state’s radar.
“Our families and student athletes continue to express concern about fan behavior during this game and previous athletic contests in Amherst,” Holyoke Public Schools Receiver Stephen Zrike said in a statement released Monday. “Holyoke High School has been, and will continue to be in contact with the MIAA (Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association) regarding this matter.”
Zrike stated that Holyoke school officials received a letter of apology from Amherst Regional High School Principal Mark Jackson on behalf of the ARHS community after an investigation revealed “considerable evidence” that Amherst fans acted inappropriately at the soccer game. However, the school’s investigation also found “no evidence to corroborate the allegation that racial slurs were used.”
In a Sept. 29 letter to parents, guardians and students, Jackson wrote that the experience would be used to develop a framework for clearer behavioral expectations by fans. Most of his letter focused on how to improve conduct, while still allowing fans to cheer for their team.
On Monday, Michael Morris, acting superintendent of Amherst schools, also issued a statement noting that the Amherst and Holyoke boys soccer teams played a game on Saturday during Amherst Regional High School’s homecoming weekend with positive results.
“I am pleased to report that good sportsmanship was displayed by all who played in or attended the game,” Morris said in his statement. “I appreciate collaborating with Holyoke Superintendent Stephen Zrike on this matter.”
Zrike praised the Holyoke girls soccer team on Monday.
“They have remained focused on their team goals and have positively represented the city of Holyoke,” he stated. “Moving forward, we hope that the attention will be placed on the talented student athletes of both Holyoke and Amherst.”
Dan Crowley can be reached at dcrowley@gazettenet.com.