Family, food, and fireworks: Syracuse Orange edition
The fourth of July is not just a time to celebrate America’s independence. For Syracuse Orange fans, it’s much, much more.
Syracuse Orange fans have been blessed with two of the top programs in both of the major collegiate sports. With a national championship in college football and college basketball, this sets the Orange apart from all but nine other division one schools.
So, with this holiday here, what better way than to celebrate it with a Syracuse Orange inspired edition. Last year, we did just that with a mock 4th of July party. This year, we look at some of the top plays and moments in SU history, and what brings them together.
Dome Nachos
If we’re talking Independence Day, food has to be brought up. If we’re talking watching a ‘Cuse game at the Dome, food is also a topic of conversation.
Whether it’s Dome nachos, dogs, beer, or really any food served on the premises of the Carrier Dome, it’s as iconic as it gets. Syracuse is known for its wide array of cheap food served for game day, including one of the only on-campus stadiums that sell alcohol.
So whether you’re looking to enjoy a hamburger, ice cream, or box of candy, it’s ready for purchase at the Loud House. Reports indicate at an upgrade coming soon so that Dome food is about to be even better. Oh, and not to mention that Hoffman’s hot dogs originate in the Central New York city.
The Boeheim tradition
The Fourth of July is also about spending time with family. Well, Syracuse knows a thing or two about that.
SU Men’s Basketball Head Coach Jim Boeheim has been at Syracuse ever since 1969, where he has played and coached his way to over 1,000 victories, a national championship, and many more accolades, awards, and accomplishments. He’s the longest-tenured head coach in the history of college hoops.
Now, his son Buddy Boeheim is a star of his own. The rising junior averaged 15.3 points per game, 2.2 assists, and connected on nearly 100 trifectas last season. Now, he looks to up his point total even more, as the top returning scorer from a year ago.
There’s not much else to say other than the Boeheim family tradition runs deep at Syracuse.
National Championship Fireworks
As mentioned before, the Syracuse Orange football and basketball teams have both won a national championship, making SU one of just ten schools to accomplish this feat.
That deserves some fireworks of its own if I ever said so.
SU football won their natty in 1959, as running back Ernie Davis put the ‘Cuse on his shoulders, catapulting Syracuse to an 11-0 record and Cotton Bowl victory. Davis would eventually become the first African-American player to win the Heisman Trophy, college football’s most coveted award.
The ‘Cuse basketball team took home a piece of their own hardwood in 2003 when freshman sensations Carmelo Anthony and Gerry McNamara teamed up to form one of the most thrilling duos in the country. ‘Melo would single handily put the team on his back, while G-Mac used six three-pointers in the national championship game to help lead the Orange past Kansas.