Here at Ball State, it isn't a big secret that we have a lessthan stellar football program. We haven't produced a lot of NFLplayers, and we don't win very often.
After Saturday's showing against Missouri, it doesn't look likeeither of these facts is going to change in the immediate future,but don't worry Cardinal fans, I have a plan.
I started thinking the other day about what separates ourprogram from the "big boys." The obvious answer is talent, butthere isn't a lot we can do about that as mere spectators. So Idecided it would be better to focus on what we can change from ourseats in the stands.
Like a Lorenzo Scott sack, it hit me: the stadium'snickname.
"What's in a name?" you ask. Well, think on it for a minute.Michigan has "The Big House." Ohio State has "The Horseshoe."Florida has "The Swamp." These three schools have cool nicknames togo along with their home turfs. They also have nationalchampionships.
I'm not saying that a stadium nickname would instantly turn usinto national-title contenders, but what could it hurt? Itobviously hasn't hurt Michigan, Ohio State or Florida. Plus, theathletics department should like this; it won't cost Ball State adime to have fans refer to Ball State Stadium by a differentname.
So what should this nickname be? It needs to somehow relate tothe Cardinals, come off the tongue quickly and be memorable.
My suggestion: The Nest.
The association with the Cardinals is more than apparent, I hope(Cardinals live in nests, folks.). At only seven letters, it isdefinitely short. And it sticks in the head like a cleat caught inAstroturf.
Granted, "The Nest" may not be the most intimidating nicknamefor a stadium ever. Then again, a cardinal is not the mostterrifying mascot either, even if it is the fiercest robin-sizedfighting bird in the world, according to David Letterman.
For me, it is the combination of the two, and a fourth-gradememory of trying to peak into a bird's nest to see eggs hatch, thatmakes "The Nest" seem scary (A note of advice: Cardinal parentswill protect their young with freaky intensity and wicked sharpbeaks).
"The Nest" also gives a feeling of home and ownership. It is asif we're saying, "Hey, you Bowling Green, Eastern Michigan, KentState, Miami and Western Michigan! You can't come into our houseand mess us around, even if all of you also have some type of birdfor a mascot that happens to be a lot bigger and more fearsome thana cardinal!" Ah, I feel a swell of pride already.
As I said, this nickname will not boost us into the upper tierof the college football "Parthenon" overnight, but like alljourneys, it begins with one little step.
So next time the Cardinals play here in Muncie (Sept. 20 versusCentral Michigan), gather all your friends together and say, "Hey,Ball State has a football game today; why don't we go down to 'TheNest' to watch?" And when they ask where in the world you got thatnickname for Ball State Stadium, tell them that a little birdietold you.
A little birdie named Slaw.
Write to Cole at cpmcgrath@bsu.edu
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