There are few things more ‘merican than watching football or basketball. Being a fan means a different things to different people. To some, it means winning – the thirst to boast and be right. To some, it means analyzing – predicting the winner of match ups based weeks of ESPN watching and calculated player sizing-up. To some, it means travel – retirees hitting the road to support their team. To some it means rivalry – always hoping defeat for the other. To most, it means community. Whether it’s your family, friends, or fellow alumni, being a fan means you have camaraderie with other fans during wins and losses and the anticipation in-between.

I grew up in one such family, where sports and the community around them were religion. The original wedding date Husbanks and I chose was quickly changed because my extended family informed me that no one would come to a wedding during the Big 12 championship. My mistake.

I have so many memories of parking at games, and walking about a mile to get to the stadium. Tossing a rally towel so hard I really believed I could will-in the ball. Yelling at the referee. Getting in the car after the game and listening to the post-game radio show on 1520 AM the whole 35 minutes home. Gathering around the TV holding your breath waiting for the last shot. Hearing countless commentaries on the Big 8 and their ability to compete with anyone in the nation.

Saturday, Ryan and I went to a basketball game with my family’s season tickets for the last time. For over 20 years my family had 9th row seats behind the south goal, and this was the last season we purchased them. I sat in those seats during my formative years and beyond. Husbanks met my parents for the first time in those seats. I watched Stacey King, Eduardo Najera, and Hollis Price from those seats. I was there three times a week during the winter months, and won’t easily forget that.

It’s been a good run. With this goodbye I remember that my family’s love for the home team isn’t changing, just the place from which we view them. Boomer Sooner.