Opinion: Nice work, Grinnell, but the job is not done
Scarlet & Black 2025-11-24
Turns out all we needed was one op-ed for things to change. Print media is a useless and obsolete form of communication? My ass. From the outside, I realize that it might seem like I have incredible influence over Grinnell students and that my argument for greater sports attendance was the impetus behind the Party at Darby. I know that the timing of all of this has left you with questions, which I will attempt to answer:
Q: Is it a coincidence that soon after my last opinion piece was published, our volleyball team set a Grinnell College and Midwest Conference attendance record?
A: Yes.
Q: Is it wrong for me to take some credit for this impressive feat?
A: Absolutely.
Q: Is it ok if I ask for extra Chick-fil-A sauce with my spicy chicken sandwich?
A: My pleasure.
In all seriousness, I was awestruck by what we managed to pull off on that Wednesday night. I have never stepped into a building and been so happy to be met with the ambient heat that comes from hundreds of sweaty people crammed together. It was as close to the scene I imagined on my first day at Grinnell as anything has been during my time here.
I have never stepped into a building and been so happy to be met with the ambient heat that comes from hundreds of sweaty people crammed together.
— Henry Horn `26
At that game, I saw plenty of familiar faces, like the rotating crowd who show up at many games. But what set this game apart and what impressed me the most was twofold. First, I saw lots of the familiar faces from Darby, not just a few individuals. Everyone who I thought would be there was there. Second, I saw faces familiar from elsewhere who I never would have thought would come to Darby.
I want to emphasize the time and energy that the volleyball team put into the game. To orchestrate something like that and pull it off successfully — minus the fact I didn’t get a shirt — is amazing, and while I’m sure they would have loved to walk away with a win, volleyball earns my highest commendation.
So, good job! Not just to the team, but to those who took the time to show up when they were not required to. You should be proud of yourselves. The Party at Darby was not the end goal, however, and like the desired effect of eating fiber, we need to keep things moving.
We cannot be complacent after that one thing we did on a random Wednesday. Big whoop. Instead, let this be an example of what is possible when we all give a little bit of time to each other. As a student body, we are capable of creating moments of campus-wide community, which I know most of us desire. Like I have said before, games are one of the best opportunities to do that.
I do understand that there might be some fatigue among my peers after making that effort. It’s a reasonable feeling, and one I have felt at times as well. Thus, we must pick our moments of creating community well to accommodate that emotion.
As a student body, we are capable of creating moments of campus-wide community, which I know most of us desire.
— Henry Horn `26
Here is my advice to teams. First, be patient. If we’re being honest, something like the volleyball game is only possible three or so times a semester, max. I wish that weren’t the case, but we have to be realistic. I applaud the swim team’s effort to pack the natatorium, but in my mind, it was too much and too soon.
Second, understand what made something like the Party at Darby work. Volleyball is an exciting sport and the team has a good reputation on campus. Both of those are positive motivations for someone to come to a game. If your team lacks one or both of those attributes, it may be more difficult to achieve a large crowd, and trying might cause more fatigue.
Third, give people a reason to come. It could be something like matcha at women’s soccer or the volleyball t-shirts. People want to experience something new, so make something new.
To fans, I also have a few things I want to say. First, think of sports less as watching a game and more as a social event. You could not know anything about what you are watching and still have a good time. It’s the magic of sports. Second, don’t limit yourself to one sport. The beauty of sports is its plurality. Third, if you go to a basketball doubleheader and only watch the men’s game even if you have time for both, I will be frustrated with you. Our women’s teams are really good, and you should go see for yourself.
You did well, Grinnell. I know you are making an effort. Further, based on the amount of people who talked to me about my last article, I know you want what I want. We can make a community if we just try, so show up. I’ll see you there.
Henry Horn is a fourth-year History major and Sports Editor for The S&B.