Last week, on Thursday evening at 7:00 the countdown could be stopped as millions of people across the country rejoiced at the beginning of the best time of the year. That of course would be College Football Season. While there may be some haters that disagree, College Football Season is the greatest part about being a college student. Shit, it's the greatest part about being an alumni of a university. It is one of the few things that will bring freshman and 60-year-olds together for a common purpose: to tailgate and then watch THEIR school kick some ass.
I myself am one of the biggest college football fans that I know. Some might even call it an obsession. On Thursday, when the South Carolina-NC State game kicked off, I was sitting in class. However, I would not be denied my college football, and proceeded to watch the game on ESPN360 with many of my classmates. The way I look at it, I'm a Sport Management major, so I'm studying. I am one of those kids who will watch any game, no matter who is playing. For instance, I watched the Ole Miss-Memphis and Colorado-Colorado St games last weekend despite not having any care for who won or lost (well, for Will I rooted for Colorado).
See, college football has brought me some of the best memories I've had as a college student. The endless weekends of being at The Office, or tailgating next to Little Hall, and then attending the BBQs at the Wickers have made me wish that college football season never ended. There's just something about getting together with hundreds of friends and enjoying Gator Football.
Last week, because I'm out of my mind, I woke up at 10:00am for a game that began at 7:00pm, against a team that I've never heard of. I did this, because every chance that I have to enjoy a game-day, I will. I met up with Alumni that we had met through tailgating through the years. They run a serious tailgate, even for the smallest of games. I also got to enjoy a wonderful college house tailgate with all of Boyztown and ended the pregame festivities at the Wicker's wonderful BBQ. Each weekend, the same events occur yet they never get old.
On September 19, 2009 the biggest weekend of the year will occur. For this weekend, my father is coming for his annual Gator game. Despite the fact that he has never spent an hour in a UF classroom, he has become a Gator fan through me (although the FAU Owls are his true team). Also, every person that I can think of will be attending that game, including Dan, who lives in NYC. This game will bring friends who haven't seen each other in months, or even a year, together to party and enjoy another day in Gainesville, FL.
The season also brings road trips. This year, the road trip has been planned for LSU. Road trips for college football are a tradition unlike any other. I've enjoyed many a great time in towns such as Tallahassee, Baton Rouge, Knoxville, Miami, and Atlanta. All of this traveling is thanks to the Gator football team and their successes. Some, such as Will, get the pleasure of traveling for two teams (Gators & Buffs). While not always welcomed at these away games, it is always a good time to party in a new city. If you have not gone on one, I would recommend it.
Lastly, this season is bringing something that has never happened in the 6 previous years that I have been at UF; my mother, Darby, will be attending her first Gator game (Arkansas). While she isn't a huge football fan, and doesn't know my friends the way my dad does, I have convinced her to finally come for a game. How it's taken this long is beyond me as I non-stop rave about how much fun it is. I think that she doesn't believe me how much fun it is. I can't wait to show her that I've probably understated it.
College Football is the best thing in sports, and the actual game is just the tip of the iceberg. The friends you make, and times you have, are truly what makes college football incredible.
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