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GREAT article in the University Press

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GREAT article in the University Press

Renewed Spirit Uncovers the True Fan: There's more to college football than meets the eye

By: Andrew Imber, Staff Writer
Issue date: 10/2/07 Section: Exclusively Online



This weekend, it finally happened.

No the Owls didn't quite beat a top ten nationally ranked team, and no, gas prices didn't finally go down. This weekend, I finally had my awakening as to what college football is all about.

I must admit, before this weekend I just didn't understand the craze. Why do millions of people care about a game played by 18 to 22-year-olds, when professionals play the same game every week? Why do people paint their bodies in school colors and scream their lungs out until all that's left is nothing more than a faint squeaking sound?

Simply put, attending my first college football game answered all those questions and more. There's just something so captivating about watching your school fight on every play. The biggest difference between the collegiate and professional level is that these guys on the field aren't just players signed to huge contracts to represent your state. These are your friends, your classmates and students who have dedicated days, weeks, months and years to what they do. You can't help but swell with pride towards them.

So even as I watched the Owls, my Owls, come up just short against the sixth ranked team in the country this Saturday, I don't think I could have been more proud even in victory. I remembered the week before when I saw Tavious Polo in my Psychology class, and Rusty Smith in the Breezeway. These aren't just people representing my city or state. These are my fellow classmates, preparing for their futures in the same place that I do.

In some ways, I now think that college football soars over its professional counterpart. No overpaid players with inflated egos who will leave a team for more money elsewhere and nobody holding out until they get two million dollars more on their signing bonus. These are just young men, with pride in their school, leaving every bit of energy out on the field in jubilant victory or hard fought defeat.

To me, waking up the next day after a game without a voice isn't a choice anymore - it's a responsibility.





From:
http://media.www.upressonline.com/media/storage/paper518/news/2007/10/02/ExclusivelyOnline/Renewed.Spirit.Uncovers.The.True.Fan-3020283.shtml
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Re: GREAT article in the University Press

That should be sent to every student at FAU
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Re: GREAT article in the University Press

I agree and maybe out to all of the Alum!  Very well said!

GO OWLS!
'91
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Re: GREAT article in the University Press

That fine piece of writing should be sent to all Pro players also.  Although I'm alumni now, the reason I always liked college ball was just what the article said, the guys you see on TV or on the field every sat. are the same guys who sit next to you in class. 

FAU - We got Bowls!
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Re: GREAT article in the University Press

That was a very good piece and Duder you are so right about the Pro's I think a copy needs to be sent to ESPN or the Host of the Pre-game shows on Sunday. ;)
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Re: GREAT article in the University Press

If you open the link and look at the article, there are a couple of nice comments.  Things are changing. SLOWLY.

Does anyone remember the crap from some of the students when FAU raised the student activities fee to pay for athletics? Some said they would never attend a game in protest of the fee hike. Hopefully most of those have graduated or transfered.

We are on the right path. Just gotta be patient.

FAU - THE REAL SLEEPING GIANT
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Re: GREAT article in the University Press

illinoisowl said

If you open the link and look at the article, there are a couple of nice comments.  Things are changing. SLOWLY.

Does anyone remember the crap from some of the students when FAU raised the student activities fee to pay for athletics? Some said they would never attend a game in protest of the fee hike. Hopefully most of those have graduated or transfered.

We are on the right path. Just gotta be patient.

At least now, the newbies never knew it was cheaper, and that's a good thing. ;D
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Re: GREAT article in the University Press

Very well said...

Peyton
1999
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Re: GREAT article in the University Press

Seriously, I welled up with tears. As an alum, I couldn't be prouder of my school, my team, and the student that wrote this. Its nice to see. My college education has opened up so many doors that would have been closed to me. Even though I attended FAU when it still looked pretty much like an institution for the criminally insane  ;D I'm glad certain places on campus have become fixtures (like the Breezeway).

FAU Forever!!!
'93, '01

Beware the talons of the Mighty Owls!
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Re: GREAT article in the University Press

proudowl said

Seriously, I welled up with tears.

Have you tried taking any medication?  :'(
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