Watching a Wolfpack football game on television is completely different from being packed elbow-to-elbow in the crowded Carter-Finley Stadium. In the moment, you get the taste of live action but there are also seeds of doubt, criticism and bitterness which are revealed when experiencing subpar performances. Our loyalty to our Universities’ football team has weakened, in place, being filled with negativity and hopelessness.
Fans are filled with doubt, in every essence of their being, when watching our team play. They think our team has some kind of stigma derived from bad luck on penalties and frustrating circumstances. Instead of being a school that is proud of its football team, we cringe during games and let dubious calls overwhelm us.
On opening day, everyone was ecstatic to see the Wolfpack back in uniform until the University of Central Florida scored a touchdown on their first play. With signs of resignation, the student body quickly began to drift down into their seats, what most would think an unprecedented event. The cheering halted, but the criticisms never ended. That was when the school realized it was going to be a long day for the men and women clad in red and white. With an obstacle to conquer, the team’s motivation faltered as the stadium noise died down along with the fan expectations.
The fans have taken on an ego of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, one moment excited to be at the game, then in one foul turn, they become the most cynical critics ever.
In order to refrain from damaging school pride we should strive to be a fan base of positive outlooks and patience. We should be a school that can take a loss and use it as experience, a place where the team feeds off the fans’ excited chants and rushed fight songs.
Don’t go to a football game for anything but the game. Don’t dress fancy to impress your peers; dress to support the team and the University. Our loyalties to the Wolfpack football team are a contradiction to our passion for this University. If we once again put faith in Wolfpack football, it would be a great day for all — one where you can tailgate like it’s a family reunion, play beer pong to help put points on the scoreboard and cheer like a yellow flag is there to keep the team on its toes.
We’re a college lucky to be gifted with a football team. Many colleges lacking the sport would give anything to have a team to raise their school spirit and camaraderie. Take advantage of it and don’t allow it to remain a place of vented frustrations.
Pick the team up, along with those around you, and move past. Work as a fan until the end. Let the players know you’re not letting up.
How are you going to support the Wolfpack football team? Tell us by e-mailing your thoughts to viewpoint@technicianonline.com.
