by Laura
Greetings, erstwhile readers. Harold’s already given you his take on local basketball, but I’m sure you’ve also been looking forward to my expert insights. The moment is upon us – this week, I ventured into the stadium thing and enjoyed college sports.
When I won the student lottery to attend the UNC-Michigan State game, I knew that I had to find the inner strength to face a sea of light blue despite my not-so-secret Dukie past. Harold would disown me if I turned down a chance to see the replay of last year’s tournament finals, and besides, this seemed like an excellent way to procrastinate.
Luckily, I found a friend who was a Michigan State fan and could share the experience of being in enemy territory. After some good-natured ribbing at the door, we found a seat in the upper level of the stands. Our neighbors weren’t too pleased about her apparel, but they managed to keep their nasty looks to a minimum, since they had the lead.
I, on the other hand, felt an odd ambivalence about the experience. I reviewed our household rules of cheering, but a clear answer was difficult to find. We always cheer for Duke, but if Duke isn’t playing, we cheer for the ACC, but if the ACC means Carolina, it’s hard not to feel slightly dirty.
Ultimately, I decided to root for a good, close, game, and politely refrained from counter-cheering when the fight song declared that my alma mater should go to a place of eternal damnation. I know that score will be settled in appropriate fashion when my team heads to the Dean Center in the spring.
And when they visit Cameron – forget it. Our stadium may be a tenth of the size, but we’re just as loud, and our taunting is smarter and more cutting than theirs any day. I remember one poor opposing player who had recently been arrested on drug charges. Did the crowd shake zip-loc baggies of white flour at him during free throws? They may have gotten reprimanded by Coach K after the fact, but yes – yes, they did, and with pride.
Laura
Harold
