Ah, yes. So it begins. I got your attention so I call it a mission well done. Blatant attacks (good feedback, Orangemen) and questions left unanswered (where my Sun Devils at?). As I said, perspective is a great thing when looking at sports. That’s why pure objectivity isn’t possible by any stretch. No joke.
What is funny though is the human response. If you walk away there are no repercussions but if you walk tall, it’s a different story. People become defensive and in some cases it is understandable. The fan-base is playing a game just like their respective teams. Ohio State fans hate Michigan, the Cleveland Cavalier fans and company hate Lebron…the list goes on. And boy, do they show it.
But as a fellow stubborn fan with a Syracuse childhood, I won’t back down. Fans don’t back down. Yeah, I love the history. Absolutely, Ernie Davis Field before the restoration was very historic; Jim Boeheim is a household name. At ASU, hell we have the Tillman Tunnel… and hell is what I hope we give other teams. History is great but according to Mike Ditka, looking at the past serves no justice. You’re a coward if you do so.
I am a proud Sun Devil. I hope to see Sun Devil Stadium lined with gold and against Missouri, black. Otto’s Army wears orange religiously. I question Arizona State not having experienced it yet, and Otto’s Army, I’ve seen their end of the bleachers recede and quick. So what are freshmen going to do? Follow a new age “tradition”. Leave. “Goodbye team, defend the school that’s not supporting you.” It’s ugly. It’s a new-age habit. I hope I don’t experience it. I hope freshmen don’t develop the same habit.
Rivalry. That’s the only thing that defines new- age fans.
So, your team is in a rut. So, you don’t have the coach capable of a championship. You graduate most of your players, then what? Fans are needed no matter the situation. Fans though are critical…maybe a little too much these days. Show pride and sit through games no matter the end result. No matter how bad the year is. That defines a true fan. Not one that bad-mouths their team only to cheer when they strike gold. A fan is a fan true and true no matter the year and if we get into this forming habit, all we have is a bunch of drunken idiots fighting and complaining. That’s not class, that’s not a portrayal of true pride.
Eat sh** and die? For the hate mail I received from Syracuse fans who read my last post: Reread your responses. Would you want your kids to hear all of that when you take them to their first game? OK, Greg Robinson would punt the ball on 3rd down—I gave him the benefit of the doubt. The game, whatever sport, is something to be fully enjoyed but seems to have taken a negative, highly critical twist.
This goes for every team worldwide whether internationally or nationally. Set a sportsmanship example—upperclassmen stop getting defensive, be proactive. Teach incoming freshman true habits. Everyone—you’re players need you at every moment and if you guys remember high school you would remember, even down a bazillion points, looking up at the crowd for much needed strength. And if they’re beating the s*** out of the other team then, well, it’s just adds to the fun.
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