The Last First Time

If you know me well, you know that there a few things in my life that I treasure above most other things. For now, we're call these the four Fs.

Faith

Family

Friends

and Football

There has not generally been much need to give explanation for the first three on that list, but for many, my love and adoration of this hot and sweaty pigskin toss has been difficult to comprehend.

Example 1

As freshmen, my roommate and dearest compadre, Jena, and I would attend each and every home football game, cheering wholeheartedly until the final seconds ticked off the game clock. One of Jena's favorite stories to recount of these days is that as soon as we would return to our cozy dormitory in Cate Center, I would open up my (now much older and greyish) creamy white Apple Macbook, click my toolbar bookmark to college football on ESPN.com, and proceed to read every bit of review, commentary, and highlight reel that I could find. On the game we had just watched. Yes, it was possibly a little over the top.

Example 2

I have travelled nearly 5000 miles to watch the Sooners play, and have watched them lose on each of those trips (three separate occasions in three separate locations in three separate seasons). Somehow, I am still planning to travel for at least three games this season, and a possible 4th if the bowl game we make is in any way desirable.

Example 3

I have sat through rain, blistering heat, snow and sunburns both big and small for this team. I'm essentially as dedicated to them as their mailman.

All this to say, this season, I got to watch the Sooners play their last first game of the season with me as a student. I can't believe how the time has flown by! I have never missed a home game, and don't plan to start this season. I have watched us win big and watched us suffer through tragic losses. I got to be Sam Bradford's facebook friend for about a year and a half until he removed his facebook account. I got to witness OU's most recent National Championship opportunity. It's been a good run.

I'm Sooner Born, and Sooner Bred. When I die, I'll be Sooner dead. Rah Oklahoma.