Opinion
A time for change
October 12, 2006
My dad would always say, “That damn east wind,” as I was growing up in Northern Minnesota. If I had a quarter for every time I heard him say those four key words, I could easily pay for my tuition and probably the entire Student Voice’s staff as well.
With that, I knew when he came in the door that the seasons were changing, and the winds were blowing.
Not that I minded — something to cool off after a warm summer was always welcomed. I have never minded the cold, but I hate it when it gets hot.
With the changing seasons there comes a change in sports — both with sports to watch and participate in.
Here in River Falls, some captain’s practices are starting, and before we all know it, winter will be upon us.
Winter to me means just one thing — hockey. I’ve loved to watch hockey as long as I can remember. I always watched it, but didn’t understand it until about the fourth grade. I started saving my money so I could go to as many hockey games as possible.
While hockey practices may just be getting started here, competition has already started around the area. In Division I men’s and women’s hockey, the season has already started. Hearing about other teams playing has gotten me really excited to see the Falcons’ season starting on Oct. 27.
Even though hockey is starting, some sports are finished for the season. Some of them have completed the regular season and some have already finished their postseason play. The women’s golf team finished up last weekend and women’s tennis is done with the regular season, waiting for their conference play a week from now in Madison. The football team is at home this weekend and again next weekend for the annual Homecoming game.
Needless to say, I’m excited. I love school spirit, and I love Homecoming week. Even though it will be cold, the leaves are changing and winds whipping, it will be worth it to get out with friends and support UW-River Falls.
With the change of seasons, it’s important we change the way we support our teams. Spirit is important. Where would our teams be without spirit? They thrive on playing in front of loud and interested crowds.
The word apathetic is always brought up when it comes to school spirit. At soccer and football games or tennis matches, it’s unfortunate when not a lot of people come. It’s fun and free. I don’t know what could be better.
Homecoming is a good excuse to dress up in red and black, paint your face and lose your voice. I don’t know what could beat it. All week there will be a number of different activities going on to participate in and watch. And I recommend them. This is your time to live it up. Before long, we’re going to graduate and head into the real world and get a job.
Watch football, cheer loud and watch out for that east wind.
Sarah Packingham is a former member of the Student Voice staff.