Flashback to any time before this fall quarter started. There I was — the most unlikely girl in the world to like sports. My high school didn’t even have a football team, therefore America’s game meant nothing to me. I didn’t understand the game and definitely did not care who won.

Now, cut to today. I am the girl in the stands cheering loudly for our team and not allowing my friends to sit down.

Perhaps it’s because it is my last quarter at Tech, and I am realizing it is my last chance to devote my heart and soul to school spirit. Or, maybe it is because the Bulldogs are ruling lately. Come on, admit. The games are amazing.

Some of you may have noticed the football team has received front page coverage in all three papers published this quarter so far. Football even dominates this editorial page today. So, why did I — the girl who once loathed the sport — decide to make over it like it’s nobody’s business? It’s all about the spirit.

For those of you who have been to the two home games this quarter, have you felt the excitement? Have you volunteered your energy and shouts to the group cheers? Have you waved your towels during kickoff and jingled your car keys minutes before we won? Have you belted out the lyrics to the alma mater and felt super proud to be a Bulldog when the whole stadium screams “BA-BY!”? The feeling in the stands is unlike any other. And, just think what it feels like on the field.

In Saturday’s game, I spotted tight end Thad Williams jumping up and down during a break on the field, urging the crowd to be louder. The crowd exploded with cheers, and I looked around at the wave of blue in the packed stands.  At that moment, I felt the proudest to be a Bulldog.

It’s not really about the game itself. (Secret: I still really don’t know what’s going on— I have to judge by crowd reaction whether a play was good or not). It’s about the whole school uniting for one mission: to support our team.

So, promise me: As a Tech Talk reader and fellow proud Bulldog, you will attend every single home game from now on. Tests, weekend trips and lack of football knowledge will not stop you from going, right?

I want you to promise me one more thing. As you all know, Tulane will play its first “home game” here at Tech. This will be a historical event that will be broadcast on ESPN (which means it’s got to be very spirited). A lot of the university’s sports support network (a.k.a. the students) are dispersed around the country right now, so we need to be the team’s spirit. Wear your green and bring the same energy at 7 p.m. Friday to Joe Aillet Stadium.

Let’s unite through football.

 

Julie Miller is a senior journalism major from Shreveport and serves as editor of The Tech Talk. E-mail comments to jem028@latech.edu.