With Dexter High School breaking the 26-year losing streak against Chelsea in 2022, there’s no question that the rivalry between both schools has grown to an all-time high. Although this rivalry has traditionally been embraced, after this past rivalry match with Chelsea taking the win, some wonder, “Is this rivalry healthy?”
During the most recent game against Dexter, there was an expected amount of banter between both the Dexter and Chelsea student sections. However, one voice remained the most enthusiastic: Senior Logan Eckhout’s loud voice and presence did not go unnoticed.
“Considering I was on the football team at one point, I know what it’s like to hear the student section cheer for you and how motivating it is,” explained Eckhout. “I also know how hard it is to play when the opposing team has a big and loud student section.”
Although Eckhout was among the mass number of students embracing this rivalry, he was singled out, chased, and attacked by the Dexter coaches. This situation escalated to a level it should’ve never reached when a high-status Dexter alumni who used to play football threatened Eckhout. Ultimately, Eckhout had to get a police escort out to his truck because he didn’t feel safe.
After this incident, many people have argued that this rivalry has gone too far and that there should be some sort of mediator in this situation. Under any other circumstances, I would agree. However, there is not much that you can do when the so-called “trusted” adults are the ones taking this rivalry too far. Coaches on any team, for any sport, are meant to encourage respectful behavior, maturity, and good sportsmanship.
“When I was on Chelsea’s football team, all of the coaches preached about having sportsmanship and being respectful to everybody on and off that field,” explained Eckhout. “I wouldn’t have a problem with this situation if it was the players coming at me, but it’s very discouraging when it’s the coaches and adults on the field doing this.”
This whole situation has brought some light into different areas that MHSAA doesn’t look too far into. Moving into the future, there should be more training for the coaches and less focus on how the players act. Most athletes who have made far enough progress in their athletic journey to play at the varsity level would not dare to jeopardize the position they are in or the progress that they’ve made. Coaches are meant to lead their players and not only teach them the sport but also life lessons.