The rivalry between Fayetteville High and Springdale High dates back over 100 years. That’s longer than my grandparents have been alive. 

Vandalism in the midst of a rivalry is like adding gas to a fire. Vandalism is done to scare the other team, but all it seems to do is make them mad.

When unidentified Fayetteville students vandalized the Jerrell Williams Bulldog Stadium, I was furious and at the same time pumped up.

I had no desire to go to the Springdale versus Fayetteville game until I heard about the vandalism of our shared stadium. I was so pumped to go because not only is that the Bulldogs’ stadium that they trashed, it is also ours. We are Springdale, and we demand respect.

While at the game, the Dog Pound gained my respect. It was the biggest student section I have ever seen. The stands on the visitors’ side were not nearly as full. I expected more from their fans.

We may want to beat Springdale every time we play them, but ultimately we are all Springdale kids. We are all one community. So when another school defaces one of ours, we all take it personally.