Tonight is more than a game -¡- it's about pride.
Whether you're just beginning your time at Ball State University or you're one writing competency exam away from graduating, go to the game tonight and support your decision to be a Ball State student.
For those members of the student population still struggling with school identity - you're not at Indiana University, get over it. You selected Ball State to be your alma matter and that's how it's going to stay.
Have pride or leave campus.
The greatest challenge in overcoming Ball State's reputation is the image that we, the student body and alumni, project. Big Ten schools aren't only popular because they have good athletics programs or strong programs; it's because they have a loyal fan and alumni base.
Regardless of season records, their fans and students stay true.
Besides, school spirit is not solely about athletic records. College lacks the high school pep sessions and afternoon assemblies that help build pride. Because of this, collegiate athletic events become a social calendar focal point at most major schools.
We can make that happen this year. It all starts tonight.
I was not the avid athletics fan during my entire undergraduate career. I'm not a heavy sports buff to begin with, and work kept me tied down most game nights. But toward the end of my undergraduate career, I realized that - surprise - college was ending. It was time to make the most of what I had at Ball State.
Realizing how amusing a crowd of semi-intoxicated people is, I started hitting Ball State tailgates during my junior year. My friends and I didn't stay for the entire length of every game, but we tried to make it to most of them. Senior year was much of the same story.
Those who attended the Indiana at Ball State football game Fall 2006 will recall the atmosphere. We lost the game - barely - but it couldn't overshadow the stories and memories from that day.
Amused with the fun we'd experienced during football season, a group of friends and I made it our mission to attend every men's basketball home game last winter.
What a season to pick.
The year ended with the worst record in school history, but I wouldn't take back a minute of the time spent. The thrill of a new coach brought a charged atmosphere to the Nest. By season's end I'd made new friends, reconnected with old ones and built stronger ties with others.
And lucky us - we can all relive that new coach feeling this year, too.
Right now it's time to focus on the pigskin. Tonight, it's a renovated stadium bringing the thrill. If you're not concerned with the outcome of the game, give yourself a reason to be loud and skip homework.
Don't go only because it's a sporting event; go because it's a social event. Even a non-fan can appreciate the atmosphere.
Forget the odds and any losses that might occur this season. It's just a game, after all. Duke loses. Indiana loses. They still have fans, and those fans still have fun.
We can, too. Here's to a Cardinal victory.
Write to Dave at heydave@bewilderedsocitey.com
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