For most students, Saturdays mean two things; sleeping in and football. When the Bisons have a home football game, the ground in front of the GAC becomes full of tents for tailgating, and the stands fill up with fans rooting the team on. While most fans enjoy a seat well above the field to watch the team, as a student athletic trainer, my view of the game is a little different.
I absolutely love Saturdays and sports. Whether it be basketball or football season, it’s definitely something that I look forward to every weekend. My take on the game of football, though has changed a little bit in the past couple years.
Saturday, also known as game day, used to be just another thing. After sleeping in and watching games with friends, I would participate in the usual tailgating and then head with my fellow students into the stadium to cheer on the Bisons. I went because I enjoyed watching football and hanging out with friends, not because I really knew any of the players.
That’s a little different now that I’m a student athletic trainer. Game days are now a reward for all the hard work during the week, watching the guys who have spent countless hours practicing and watching film preparing to win. It’s fun to root for a team that you have grown up watching, but when you have become really good friends with them, there is nothing you want more than to see all their hard work pay off. I guess it also helps when you live with two of the players.
You cannot ask for a better view of the game than right on the sidelines. It allows you to see the best and worst of the players. The joy of winning, the smiles and hugs that come with it, and the bruises along with the pain of defeat make my view worth it.
The coaching staff preaches the idea of brotherhood, and the team is truly one that has embraced this concept. The guys have a love for the game, as well as the guys that line up with them. It is truly been a blessing to observe.
As the Bisons finish up the regular season and are fighting for a postseason spot, I have really enjoyed getting to know the players and team. It truly has been a great experience. Oh and one last thing… Beat Tech.
