Can you feel it? It’s the opening week of the 2008 college football season!
In New Orleans we have four seasons: Mardi Gras, Crawfish, Football, and Christmas. For me, football season is like the other three seasons all rolled into one.
I can already feel the air getting thinner. The scent outside is changing from the aroma that comes from steam rising off the concrete after an afternoon squall, and it’s being replaced with the smell of barbecue, gumbo, and whiskey...I guess it’s called “bargumskey.” It’s hard to describe, but trust me—it’s a welcome change.
In the distance you can hear the faint sound of a marching band practicing. The campus went from looking like a ghost town to bustling with activity almost overnight.
The previews are out, the gauntlet has been thrown down, and you catch yourself daydreaming about this weekend’s tailgating menu more than what would be considered a normal amount. Our cares are slowly melting away, and all seems right with the world.
Yes, my friends, this truly is the most wonderful time of the year!
Rather than opening up the season with a run-of-the-mill team, conference, or national preview, I wanted to start with a personal reflection for the fans. Of course I’m grateful that my favorite season has arrived, but I’m even more grateful that we have made it through another offseason without a major tragedy.
One of the worst sports-related tragedies to occur in the United States happened in 1970, when an airplane carrying 37 members of the Marshall University football team, five coaches, and many prominent boosters crashed while attempting to land during a rain storm.
The university considered discontinuing the football program until the student body, led by a few surviving members of the team, convinced Marshall officials to field a team in 1971. While many people in the Marshall community were understandably reluctant, they came out in great numbers to support the new team.
In their second game the Thundering Herd, made up of mostly freshmen and walk-ons, came back in dramatic fashion to beat Xavier as the clock expired. It was reported that people stayed in the stands for over an hour after the game crying and comforting each other.
Marshall fans had no doubt sought many avenues to help them cope with their grief, but it was “the game” that caused them to confront their emotions head on, and together they found a way to start the healing.
On Sep. 11, 2001, the American people witnessed the deadliest attack on U.S. soil at the hands of radical extremists. The nation froze, trading was suspended, sporting events were cancelled, and our military was on full alert. Many Americans wondered how our mighty nation could have become so vulnerable.
- B/R Ticket Guide
Two weeks later, on Sep. 25, 2001, Yankee Stadium reopened for the first sporting event in New York since the attacks. The Yankees may not have known how much they meant to their city until they walked onto the field and saw the faces of the fans, many of whom were likely smiling for the first time in weeks.
The players joined members of the NYPD and FDNY on the field during the pregame ceremonies while a giant American flag covered the outfield. There was hardly a dry eye in “the house that Ruth built” as the crowd chanted “U-S-A! U-S-A!” If only for a moment, a baseball game made us feel normal again.
On Aug. 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina slammed in to the Gulf Coast with the force of a nuclear bomb. My city was destroyed after the levee system breached and Lake Pontchartrain spilled into New Orleans. Thousands of lives and billions of dollars in property were lost in the blink of an eye.
My LSU Tigers were preparing to host the Sun Devils of Arizona State on Sep. 10, but word came down from Baton Rouge that the players had walked off the practice field. They could no longer remain on the sidelines while military helicopters brought in the dead and wounded from New Orleans to what would become the largest triage unit in U.S. history inside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.
The Tigers crossed the street and began unloading supplies, signing autographs for terrified children, and volunteering themselves in any way they could. They realized that they were more than just an elite football unit—they were human beings first.
LSU officials quickly realized that the usual 125,000-plus who pack the Baton Rouge campus would interfere with relief efforts, and there would be no way they could allow the game to go on as scheduled. Before they had time to put together a list of alternatives, the ASU athletic director was on the phone offering to move the game to Tempe.
Arizona State University turned out to be the classiest institution I have ever witnessed, and they rolled out the red carpet for the LSU football team and their fans. The LSU message boards were flooded with invitations from Sun Devil fans who were offering to open their homes to complete strangers should they want to make the trip.
Many also donated airline miles to assist in the purchase of plane tickets so that LSU fans could escape from the madness for a weekend and cheer on their Tigers. It was the most moving show of sportsmanship I have ever been a part of, and it burned college football deeper into my soul. Sun Devils, we will never forget it.
Most recently, on Apr. 16, 2007, the Hokie Nation of Virginia Tech was the unfortunate victim of the deadliest massacre by a single gunman in American history. The psychotic murderer, whose name I won’t mention because he doesn’t deserve to be remembered, killed 32 people and wounded many others on the Blacksburg campus.
It was a long, painful summer for the Hokies as they were forced to walk past the hallowed halls of the grisly scene and feel the fear all over again. But on Sep. 1, 2007, Lane Stadium became the site of a mass healing as the Hokie community gathered for their home opener.
What was initially a somber memorial for the lives that were lost erupted into an emotional firestorm when the first few notes of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” blasted over the PA system. The sellout crowd unleashed a collective roar that was heard throughout the college football world. The fear had turned to hope, and the Hokies went on to a remarkable season.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the following week marked the Hokies’ first road trip of the season to Death Valley in Baton Rouge. Normally, a visiting team in Tiger Stadium is treated to the roar of a live Bengal Tiger parked in a cage outside of their tunnel, only to be followed by an even deeper roar from the 93,000 fans who consider it their job to inform the visitors that they are indeed far from home.
This time it was different. Knowing what the Hokies had been through, and also acknowledging one of the premier class acts of college football in head coach Frank Beamer, the most rabid fan base in America got on their feet and gave a standing ovation to the confused but relieved Virginia Tech players. I guess there is a first time for everything.
The healing power of sports should not be dismissed. I am not qualified to speak intelligently on effective therapeutic methods or to explain the effects of grief counseling, but I do know that something as simple as a football or baseball game can bring people together and, if only for a moment, give them temporary relief from their problems.
I first heard the term “escapism” from legendary singer and Gulf Coast native Jimmy Buffett. He uses the word to describe the effect his music and concerts have on his fans. For most people who are chained to a desk for 40 hours or more per week, the smooth Caribbean sounds that accompany Buffett’s melodious tales of boats, beaches, and bars allow people to transcend their everyday lives, if only for a moment.
The same can be said for sports. As we begin the long awaited 2008 football season, we should pause to reflect and be thankful that the offseason was free of tragedy, and that we can enter this season with pure hearts.
Take a deep breath and let it sink in. Football season has arrived folks, so let’s forget about all that ails us...if only for a moment.
comments (58) write a comment »
write a new comment
2 months ago
Awesome, awesome article about sports and life intertwining. I know trash talk is at an all time high, so it's great to read an article with heart and love of the game and each other.
from 2 months ago
Agreed. Good article.
2 months ago
I agree with Edmon. It's refreshing to know that people are capable of looking past their differences to unite under the umbrella of sports, if only for a moment as Brian suggests. After all, football is just a game. There are so many more important issues that people struggle with on a daily basis that it makes you stop and wonder why people can be such jerks to opposing teams/schools/fans. Here's to a great 2008 season.
2 months ago
As a Sun Devils fan, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed with the way that game turned out in 05, but it was a fantastic feat of sportsmanship. Excellent article.
from 2 months ago
I agree that it was a tough beat for ASU, but the dramatic win brought a brief respite to a lot of people whose lives were destroyed. You should be proud of the way ASU handled the situation and I know you are.
2 months ago
Thats a great article
Nice parallel between Buffett and College Football as they both involve lots of tailgating
from 2 months ago
Thanks. Jimmy is my hero!
2 months ago
Great article, Brian. Got my POTD and 5 stars, classic how sports and life go hand in hand.
2 months ago
easily one of the best pieces i've read on here in a while. awesome stuff, brian!!
from 2 months ago
Lets hope we can party Saturday without worrying about our houses J-man!
2 months ago
Brian, this is, in my opinion, another classic. You painted a picture that was inspirational and instructional. Thanks! My POTD, and it should get 10 stars!
from 2 months ago
Thanks GG-
I have to ride a big hog through Idaho b4 I die!
2 months ago
Brian, this is a great piece, 5 stars and my pick of the day for sure. You say that you are not a grief counselor but you sure do know the essence of healing and it does indeed come through all forms of sports - it's a universal. Take it from one who knows - I am a certified disaster mental health counselor!
from 2 months ago
Thanks Mary Jo - my wife is a shrink and she signed off on the piece before I posted it. So I guess I cheated a little ;)
2 months ago
Great read. Nice work.
2 months ago
Great article.
And there was another post Katrina moment to remember, as well, though it wasn't college ball. The Saints and Falcons in the Superdome after a year of road games. Electrifying.
from 2 months ago
I was there. A truly emotional experience for anyone who grew up a Saints fan!
2 months ago
wow...great stuff. I felt your emotions on this piece. Five stars and POTD. You nailed it. Thanks for the poignant reminders.
2 months ago
Anything that could possibly be said about predictions and previews has been written at least twice. This was better than any "run-of-the-mill team, conference, or national preview" you could have come up with.
from 2 months ago
Thanks everybody. This was a piece I have had in my head for a while but thought it would be a nice way to start off the season.
2 months ago
Incredible article. My POTD.
2 months ago
Life is just better September-December.
2 months ago
Well worth the wait. Outstanding.
from 2 months ago
I was hoping you'd forgive me!
2 months ago
really good stuff, just puts it all in perspective.
2 months ago
Really good stuff, during the season you're hating on anyone that bashes your team but this article shows everyone the lighter side of sports and how it connects us. Really really good article my pick of the day.
2 months ago
Brian, awesome article. I really enjoyed reading it.
2 months ago
Great reminder of what sports are all about (5 Stars, top pick). Hopefully LSU will only have to worry about destroying its next opponent from now on.
2 months ago
Great article. LSU is my 2nd favorite team, and I remember watching that ASU(My 3rd Favorite team) game. Definatly amazing how somthing so simple as sports can help heal and bring people together after a bad tradgedy. Hopefully this year we can forgo the tragedies and just enjoy the football. I am thanking the good lord it is finally here!
2 months ago
I may have spoken too soon. Gustav is staring me down. Anybody have a couch I can crash on? :O
from 2 months ago
lil worried about this one. not supposed to hit until tues but jindal may start contra-flow as early as sat night.
if path becomes clearer tomorrow, the game being postponed is not out of the question, in fact right now i'd say it's heads or tails.
that'd totally suck, but he's kind of over preparing b/c of katrina and to distance himself in any way shape or form from blanco.
waiting another week would be a total bummer but i'm more worried about about the residents of the gulf south.
2 months ago
Having personally been a student at Virginia Tech at the time of the tragedy, I can PERSONALLY say you are 110% dead on with this article. Not only the piece of the day, worthy for piece of the year. Another example of our patriotism after the 9/11 attacks, would be the Kyle Field (of Texas A&M) decking out their three tier stadium in the Red, White, and Blue set-up. If you have a soul, you can't help but to "feel the goosebumps" when unity, community, and pride triumph over tragedy, chaos, and disaster.
Again, super article. Good luck with the Gustav, here's to hoping it stays out at sea.
2 months ago
Great article! Couldn't have been stated better.
2 months ago
What a great reminder what's really important in sports...thanks for sharing your insight.
2 months ago
This is an amazing article, Brian. I really enjoyed reading it and you make very good points throughout the piece. One of the best articles I have read since joining B/R. This is my pick of the day for sure! Well done!
2 months ago
Very moving piece, Brian. Nicely done.
2 months ago
Great, great, great article! Your more than welcome to come to Ohio and crash on my OSU couch haha! Seriously though, hope Gustav stays at bay.
from 2 months ago
If a black hummer shows up in your driveway don't shoot at me! :)
2 months ago
Excellent article. Keep writing!
2 months ago
have family in New Orleans, Not an LSU fan, ACC, but i am thrilled to see what is happening with the Tigers program. I always say even a bad football season is better than no football season at all!
2 months ago
Perfect perspective on sports- and any other form of escapism,- it's not life of death but it sure makes life better, more fun, "if only for a moment." Oh and by the way, GO HOKIES!!!
2 months ago
This is nothing short of magnificent writing Brian—bravo on such a thoughtful piece.
THESE are the reasons why I am proud to be a sports fan. Many who are critical of people's obsession with sports do not seem to grasp the fact that these recreational games can be as social gathering/cultural reflection tools in addition to entertainment.
My x-girlfriend is one of those people...I think I will send this to her and see if it doesn't change her mind.
Thanks so much Brian for sharing this with us!
2 months ago
A great article, wonderful, stupendous
2 months ago
very very moving brian. You have a true gift for writing
loved the article
2 months ago
Excellent!
I agree with Zander, this shows how sports can be a social event with effects beyond the contest.
"...We ARE Virginia Tech..."
This Virginia remembers.
...and don't forget the classy actions of the East Carolina Pirates, at that first game after the shooting. They donated a large amount to the memorial fund before the game. Even though my younger daughter only went to ECU for one year before transferring back in-state, I was proud to have this small association with the Pirates.
The first game of the season for the Hokies and the Pirates this year will be in the pro football stadium outside of Charlotte NC, and as a Tech fan, it'll be hard to pull against the Pirates; seldom will I be as torn as for that game, especially after experiencing the Pirates home stadium four years ago.
FIVE STARS!
2 months ago
Very nice piece Brian. As I usually say, ''sport is the universal language''.
2 months ago
Excellent work Brian. I remember watching the first home game for the New Orleans Saints against the Falcons. It is amazing how sports can bring people together. The reaction from Saints fans that night was unbelievable. I look forward to reading more of your articles!
2 months ago
Sports will always take a back seat to real life but it certainly is nice to escape every once in a while. Unfortunately for me, Gustav will not allow me to "escape in person" this coming Saturday as I was planning (clothes for the trip are actually in my car). In fact, I have spend much more time on weather.com than youtube watch LSU videos to hype me for the coming season.
Reading your articles almost makes me wish we didn't beat VT as soundly as we did but I know their fans had a great time before the game.
2 months ago
Awesome article Brian. Gives me chill bumps thinking about Saturday afternoon is Athens. Football is here, Football is here !!
2 months ago
Great article. POTD no question. I live in Pensacola, so if Gustav makes a hard right and heads east, I might just be coming to stay at your place. Your house has the black hummer in the driveway, right? haha
2 months ago
I think sports fans try to overemphasize sports within their daily lives. Sports are just something fun to play and watch and really do not impact society except for the occasional Olympic political stance.
2 months ago
Very, very nice article. Definitely worth the read. Thanks.
2 months ago
Great Article.
2 months ago
Great article Brian. Very nicely done :)
2 months ago
This is really a great article, but I have just one problem with it:
"...I’m even more grateful that we have made it through another offseason without a major tragedy."
I am very glad that the vast majority of people have not gone through something terrible and horrible. But what is often forgotten is my fallen classmates from February, who are often forgotten, and have been forgotten quickly.
On Feb. 14, 2008 a gunman opened fire in a lecture hall at Northern Illinois University, killing six, wounding dozens others, and scarring about 25,000 of us. Our first home game since that tragic day is on Sept. 20 against Indiana State. And although the tragedy is not mentioned by most media outlets anymore, we remember, just as Virginia Tech remembers. They were our biggest supporters and helped our campus heal.
Now our students walk around on this first week of class knowing what happened just 6+ months ago,. It's in the back of everyone's mind and the tip of everyone's tounge. But when our Huskies take the field on Sept. 20, it will be a reception unlike one they have had in a while. It will be a return to normalcy, a return to the old NIU, and it will heal our campus like with Virginia Tech.
So please don't forget what happened at NIU. It was a tragedy equal to the ones mentioned, as 6 young, aspiring people lost their lives years too short.
Thank you.
from 2 months ago
Thanks for that update - I didn't have enough info on that incident to include it in this article. I'm glad it got an honorable mention here!
from 2 months ago
For anyone who wants more information:
http://www.northernstar.info/tragedy/
2 months ago
Great read Brian! I'm all caught up in the hype and anticipation of the new season. Then you bring me back to earth with a keen insight to what is important and real.
write a new comment