I went to my first OU/Texas game at 8 years old. It was my inspiration to play peewee football. I didn't have family members that were Longhorns and my Fandom was just from a distance, but always there. When it was time to pick a college 3 were at the top of my list. Texas was one of them, so was Michigan (A nerd that loved the character Wolverine and a fun silly US invasion movie), and Stanford (I told you I was a nerd).
I got into all three and went on tours of the Campuses. I came down for spring break for Texas and I walked around campus. I promise you, it wasn't the sport, architecture or great education that day on campus that guided me towards Texas. It was the warm weather, 16 year old testosterone and the co-eds that officially sealed the deal.
I am and always will be proud that I graduated from Texas. It's an amazing school and I love the University.
But BE this is about sports. Right.
So I started in 91, picked up season tickets and over the course of the next 31 years missed sum total of 4 home games despite not living in Austin for 15 of them. I missed 1 Texas vs Ou and went to EVERY game in 1995 and 2005.
I say all that because it helps clarify the narrative. 1991-2004 had some really good years, but it had a lot more mediocre to just not great years. Suffering through a lot of those painful year and the 80s is what, I believe, instills in you real sports team love. Just like any relationship, sticking with it good times and bad.
Because.. when Vince crossed that goal line in 2005 vs USC it provided a feeling of pride and joy, of belonging and team that I can't and won't try to describe. Words can't really tell the story.
Then, of course we had Colt, 2009 and.... a LONG dive into pain.
I was skeptical of Sark, I remain so. I complain about issues I see, and will continue to do so. I do so, because I care, because it matters to me.
I also bought a National Championship game ticket after Texas/OU this year and booked a room.
Last night stung, a lot and I bitched, a lot.
However, Texas athletics are in a better place than they've been in a long time, maybe ever. Our football program is absolutely in a great place.
Last night hurt, but I firmly believe games like last night truly are what make the high of winning a championship indescribably amazing.
So, I'll lick my wounds, sell my ticket, cancel my hotel and smile.
Texas is impacting the college football world in a big way and with a few specific changes, is going to dominate it.