Day 479: Fans, fans, fans

College football fans are easy to pick out in public, especially on any given weekend between late August and early January as they don their school’s apparel, logos prominently displayed.

For me this ritual began many years ago when I would travel from Seattle to Blacksburg and beyond to follow my beloved Hokies. Back then my team won many more games than they lost, so it was always fun to “show my colors”. Any time that I had a connecting flight at Washington – Dulles it would feel like I was back home with the masses awash in Chicago Maroon and Burton Orange.

At any restaurant or airport bar you can spot these dedicated folk glued to the TV. Striking up a conversation with them is as simple as commentating on a play. No matter where they are in their travels, if their game is on or not, they can always find good company to gloat or commiserate the days results.

Today was no different as I made my way through the Orlando Airport. While not traveling to Blacksburg today for a game – – my Hokies are traveling the dirt roads leading to Durham, NC – – I was wearing a VT polo and feeling good. Making my way to the TSA security line I spotted a few fans of the typical variety (Penn State, Florida, Ohio State, Alabama…blah blah blah, but no Clemson) and a rather mean looking TSA employee who grabbed my ID and boarding pass. He paused for a few seconds after looking at the results of my boarding pass being scanned, looked back at my ID, and gave me a good stare. As he handed my ID back to me he said in a rather authoratative voice “You know Miami is going to beat you guys this year.”. To which I replied (and could be considered an insult) “I’m more worried about playing Duke tonight.” Yep, I still lack respect for any fan of “The U”, no matter who that person may be!

It’s those fun, good natured jabs that fans can share that help make college football something special. The wins and losses are important, but so are the intangibles that only fans can understand. Since I don’t get to experience it very often these days, I will most certainly relish those moments whenever they arise!