Why I Love Football (now)

So BYU football season is practically upon us... and boy, am I excited! 

Before I explain why, I need to give you a vision of the kind of sports enthusiast before BYU. 

...the kind who says, oh, I played basketball once. It was nice. I think I shot a touchd- err, basket. 

Sports just wasn't my thing. I was terrible at pretty much every sport I tried, and frankly, I didn't enjoy competitive sports. I cared more about making sure everyone stayed happy than winning. Which is fine, unless you're supposed to be playing offense in basically any sport. 

I wasn't a big sports watcher either. I loved watching volleyball and went to many BYU and high school volleyball games, but other than that, sports never interested me. I got mildly into football my senior year, but I went mostly to support one of my best friends in marching band than to actually watch the players. I would literally bring homework or a book and sit alone on the top bleachers of the stadium until the marching band would perform at half-time.

And yet... college changed me (You're probably thinking that's clique. Thank you, I try)

I LOVE BYU SPORTS!!! 

My freshman year, I bought a ROC student card and went to almost every BYU football game. The scene was similar to my high school football years: I usually went by myself and brought homework; however, I took time to watch the players and the marching band. Somehow, along the way, BYU Football stole my heart. 

There's just something about the energy that pulses through LaVell Edwards stadium right before a game. Students, clad in identical royal blue "Always Reppin" t-shirts. Greasy, expensive popcorn, pizza, and Cougartails from concessions. The BYU marching band playing "Popcorn Popping" and The Imperial Death March and the Fight Song. Apostles in the crowd with cheering crowds in the audience. T-shirt guns. Mountain sunsets. Frozen fingers. Painted faces. Flipping Cougarettes. 

And the BYU football players, full of enough talent, determination, and heart and soul to fill a stadium. 

Sure, BYU doesn't always win, but football games are always a win for me. 

So please, go to at LEAST one BYU Football game during your time at BYU. You won't regret it, and your fellow BYU Cougs will be happy for the support. 

P.S.: Here was my first football game! It was an away game at University of Utah, so we watched the game in the lobby of the boy's dorm. I provided the Cheez-its and my friends provided the cheers.