Humor: BC Football as a Non-Sports Lover

“I can’t wait to eat SO much food.”

Granted, this isn’t the typical expression of eager anticipation before a sporting event. Whether or not it’s normal, it’s my reaction, most likely because food is one of the things I can truly appreciate at the various fields and stadiums I’ve graced with my inexperienced presence in years past.

I was never really raised to truly appreciate and love team sports, or be hopelessly devoted to a particular team. I played tennis for a very long time and reached a highly competitive level, but this individually oriented sport didn’t leave much room for a full embrace of teamwork or team spirit.

I’ve realized that there is a time frame to foster the love of sports—a window of opportunity that parents need to capitalize on when their children are younger to really drill into them a few things: the team they should like, and most importantly, the rules. I missed out on this window—my parents thought it was more important to put me in ballet than explain what a double header, fly ball, or wild card is (really, these are all things I don’t fully understand).

I have come to terms with the fact that I will never understand football. Yes, I go to BC as a full time student and I don’t understand football. And yes, those are in fact photos of me on Facebook at tailgates rocking my Superfan shirt, sporting a smile and a backwards baseball cap. This year, I am a senior, and this is my first year with season tickets. Good thing all I need to get into the Mods is my ID, not the answer to a football trivia question. Call me a fraud, I don’t care.

Countless people have tried to explain football to me. When I tell people it’s not one of the things in life I understand, which, by the way, is a very short list, their reaction is horrified, and it always starts the same way: “They have three tries to go 10 yards.” Or at least, that’s what I think they say … maybe. Honestly, I’m not sure, it goes in one ear and out the other. But who doesn’t love BC football games? Sure, the tailgating is obviously fun, (yay so college! ... we get it) but let’s be real. Everyone loves to scream in public like a maniac, jump up and down, dance, and eat hot dogs. That’s why I go to games.

My qualms with BC football games are strange. Sometimes I take a step back and realize that I am in fact a little creeped out that we’re all wearing the same shirt, making the same hand motions and singing the same songs. Not that I know those, but it reminds me of a weird, bright yellow army. Then I dance, and I forget about it.

Despite this lack of knowledge, I do enjoy professional sporting events. I’ve been to more baseball games in the past few months than I have in my entire life, and in various areas; both fields in New York City, the classic Boston spot, and even one in Minneapolis. Even to an ignorant soul like myself, baseball games are admittedly a lot of fun. There’s food, music and great people watching, three things in this world that I love. Usually, the person I’m with at these games is really invested in the actual game—a strange idea for me. You know, they cheer when they’re excited for the team that’s in the lead and they boo when the team they want to win isn’t doing well. That’s about the extent of my knowledge. I like to consider myself a person who doesn’t follow the crowd, but in this case, I suck it up and cheer when those around me do.

While it might freak people out that I lack this intrinsic, seemingly essential love for ANY sport, I’m here to tell you not to worry. I, and those like me (because I’m sure they’re out there), are having fun. We’re the ones dancing in the corner. We’re the people sitting behind you trying to tell our best friend a really important story that can’t wait, screaming in your ear while you’re trying to watch the game. Sorry. Oh, and we’re eating a lot of food.