RF2044
Living Legend
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2011
- Messages
- 30,824
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Rooting for Syracuse University basketball, football, and lacrosse is the thing that I love to do the most. It's my hobby, my main [non-family interest], my passion -- cultivated when I was growing up as something I could enjoy in conjunction with my dad, and made stronger over the years with all of the games I've attended, the amazing runs we've had in each of those sports, and the cherished memories that I've made following the team.
But being an SU fan isn't always fun. It can bring a lot of disappointment. Nearly every year, there is a sense of underachieving when the season ends, made worse when your hopes crushed during special seasons--especially the years that we have great teams that seem like they could win it all [I'm looking at you, 2010 and 2012] flame out to inferior opponents in the tourney.
In recent years, we've also had to deal with the seemingly perpetual trifling off the court stuff, the frustration of the team seeming to be stuck in a mediocre "phase," getting our name dragged through the mud after a bogus NCAA investigation, and having to deal with the crippling after effects of the draconian [and arbitrary / capricious] penalties leveled against us by a corrupt governing institution. We maddeningly lose games that we shouldn't to inferior foes. Our coach is stubborn, his teams often peak early, and we struggle through some games where opponents execute well against our defense and just sit back in the zone. We lose at an unacceptable % to historically mediocre teams like Pitt. and it can seem deflating to lose out on big recruits to blue chip programs, and it sucks to have people [including our own fans] question our position amongst the top tier programs in college basketball when we don't play consistently like an elite program.
There used to be a time when SU losing in football, basketball, or lax would literally ruin my entire week. No exaggeration. I've gotten desensitized [especially after the GRob football debacle], and life circumstances have changed that point of view / dulled the "pain" of losing somewhat.
But man--there is no greater feeling when we win. Especially against top 10 opponents. ESPECIALLY against Duke. And it is even sweeter that we hit a buzzer beater to send those clowns home. Today, I have the same exact feeling I had after we beat UVa to advance to the Final Four.
Being an SU fan may bring with it a lot of pain, disappointment, and frustration, but on days like this, it is TOTALLY WORTH IT! The sun is shining a little brighter, my sense of self worth is sky high, and I'm on top of the world.
Oh--and hope springs eternal. Anyone else believe that this team is poised to make a run? ; )
Let's Go Orange!!!
But being an SU fan isn't always fun. It can bring a lot of disappointment. Nearly every year, there is a sense of underachieving when the season ends, made worse when your hopes crushed during special seasons--especially the years that we have great teams that seem like they could win it all [I'm looking at you, 2010 and 2012] flame out to inferior opponents in the tourney.
In recent years, we've also had to deal with the seemingly perpetual trifling off the court stuff, the frustration of the team seeming to be stuck in a mediocre "phase," getting our name dragged through the mud after a bogus NCAA investigation, and having to deal with the crippling after effects of the draconian [and arbitrary / capricious] penalties leveled against us by a corrupt governing institution. We maddeningly lose games that we shouldn't to inferior foes. Our coach is stubborn, his teams often peak early, and we struggle through some games where opponents execute well against our defense and just sit back in the zone. We lose at an unacceptable % to historically mediocre teams like Pitt. and it can seem deflating to lose out on big recruits to blue chip programs, and it sucks to have people [including our own fans] question our position amongst the top tier programs in college basketball when we don't play consistently like an elite program.
There used to be a time when SU losing in football, basketball, or lax would literally ruin my entire week. No exaggeration. I've gotten desensitized [especially after the GRob football debacle], and life circumstances have changed that point of view / dulled the "pain" of losing somewhat.
But man--there is no greater feeling when we win. Especially against top 10 opponents. ESPECIALLY against Duke. And it is even sweeter that we hit a buzzer beater to send those clowns home. Today, I have the same exact feeling I had after we beat UVa to advance to the Final Four.
Being an SU fan may bring with it a lot of pain, disappointment, and frustration, but on days like this, it is TOTALLY WORTH IT! The sun is shining a little brighter, my sense of self worth is sky high, and I'm on top of the world.
Oh--and hope springs eternal. Anyone else believe that this team is poised to make a run? ; )
Let's Go Orange!!!
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