On Sunday, my son and I went to a Syracuse University men’s soccer game. His varsity soccer team was one of many high school teams that attended, and I wanted to go, too.
We got there early and I saw a familiar face in the distance. Now, I wasn’t 100% sure and my son was playing with a couple of teammates so I wandered closer to see. And yes my initial thought was correct…Syracuse football head coach Dino Babers was near the stadium.
I walked over to him and said hello to a warm and receptive greeting in return. I explained why we were here and assured him that I was still rooting for him and the team. He said he appreciated it and that he’s following what I wrote as well.
As Coach was getting ready to drive off, I asked him smilingly, “We’re going to win more games, right?” His response was a very emphatic and positive one, reassuring me that he still believes in this team.
You see, I’m a homer. I believe in my team and the players and staff who represent them. All I need is assurance that we aren’t giving up and that they’re someone I want representing the team I love. Coach Babers is that guy.
Why I still believe in Syracuse football this season.
Now I get it, too. Those three games were brutal losses and people are disappointed. I was disappointed, too, and I bet more than anyone, so are the players and the staff.
So when people jump in my mentions to insult me or I see random posts on social media out of frustration, part of me does understand. Despite the narrative about fans like me, I like winning, too.
But I’m also still that homer kid inside who loved his hometown team. That kid who couldn’t go to games and maybe did one football game ever before the age of 30 but always loved the team and wanted to.
So I’ll go cheer for my team no matter the record or the opponent. I’ll wear my Syracuse Orange win or lose. I’ll stand by the sides of the player and staff telling them that I have their backs until the end.
And I’ll have that look in Coach Babers’ eyes and the words he told me when he reassured me with emphasis that we will win again because I believed.
And that homer Orange fan in me heard all I needed to hear to know that while we had some bumps in the road (against VERY good teams back to back to back), hang on tight because the rest of the ride will be intense, and I believe a bowl game will be achieved again.