I can’t stand when the second N.C . State starts to lose a game, people walk out. In my opinion, the only way you should be leaving the game is because you got kicked out like Tom Gugliotta and Chris Corchiani did at the N.C . State vs. Florida State game this past Saturday. They were kicked out for criticizing the referee’s less than educated calls and getting angry when the team you love is consistently getting unfair judgments. What nonsense.
It seems to be a common trend in the North that family is number one priority, always. Here at N.C . State, we’re all one family, and when someone treats your family member with disrespect, you are supposed to get loud and let your discontent be known.
Although I’m from New Jersey, I have always been a Philadelphia sports fan. And let me assure you, Philadelphia sports fans are one of a kind. We are renowned for being absolutely, over-the-top intense. Players from opposing city’s teams have even said in interviews that they don’t like playing in Philadelphia due to the fans.
When we win a big game, people flood the streets. The city is completely overrun by people celebrating, swinging from traffic lights and telephone poles. The chants and songs are heard even after the sun comes up.
This past May, a good friend of mine got us tickets to a Philadelphia Phillies game. Come the seventh inning, a few people began to make their way out of the ballpark because it looked like we were going to lose. Sure enough, by the ninth inning we tied it up. We went into not just one or two extra innings, but 10.
At 1 a.m . with our third baseman pitching, we ended up winning the game. The only other time that had happened was in 1921 with Babe Ruth. A truly remarkable, once in a lifetime game, and I was there till the very end along with the rest of the true fans.
Players vibe off of the crowd. When the fans are going crazy, they feel it and get excited. The energy gets the players ready to do whatever needs to be done to keep the fans going.
Just try to put yourself in their shoes. It must nice to know that you have a stadium of thousands of people that have your back on the bad call, but it must feel equally as bad to see those you depend on for support give up on you and walk out.
One of the first things I noticed when I moved here was how deep N.C . State was in people’s blood. Families have gone to the University for generations. Finding out someone was a UNC fan was enough to end a friendship. I had never in my life seen such loyalty to a University, and I was proud that I could be a part of that.
No matter where I go in North Carolina, I just have to say that I go to N.C . State and it’s like a long lost cousin has been found. Conversation always follows, whether about my major, their major, or stories about the good times they had.
There is truly a loyal camaraderie among all N.C . State affiliated. This is why I was so surprised to see people leaving the games before the end. If there is still even a glimmer of hope, your butt ought to be staying in that seat.
I urge you all, where ever you may be, to cheer on the Wolfpack against UNC tonight with everything you’ve got. As their fans, we need to give them all the support we can and the rest will come naturally. Forget the “one man wolfpack.” We are a wolfpack of thousands— and we’re not going down without a fight.