Ohio Bobcats Football - It's not just for enjoyment any more!

I don't know why I do it. I bundle up and head out in the chill of an autumn November afternoon, headed into known impending doom - the agony of another Ohio Bobcats football loss. This time, the anticipated drubbing will be at the hands of the Bowling Green Falcons. I've owned four season tickets since I can remember. Section 105 right on the 45 yard line, two tickets in row 17 and two tickets in row 18. Peden Stadium is a modest but very appealing football venue. The revamping completed a couple of years ago has made it a very comfortable place to watch a college football game. In recent years, Ohio had done a lot to make every game a true event. In the past couple of years, they have somewhat curtailed the "special events" that take place at each game. Probably because of a combination of budget cuts and waining attendance (due to poor records). It's become a bit more routine - but it's really hard to say there is ever anything merely routine about the Marching 110 Band. That has always made every visit worth the drive. But today, on Parent's Day, the university was honoring our heroes in the armed services. The National Guard had a swearing in ceremony on the field (way cool) and before the game, Guard paratroopers led by Rufus, the Ohio Bobcat's mascot, dropped onto the field from the sky above. Well, this was not without technical glitch. For you see, about 300 feet above the Northwest corner stands, Rufus "lost his head". The mascot head of Rufus, the Attack Cat flew off the paratrooper, and came crashing down into the luckily sparsely populated stands. A brave fan fielded the bouncing head on one hop! Much to the approval of the crowd, the now headless (well, he had his human head) Rufus paratrooper made a pinpoint landing, despite the distraction, shrugged his shoulders in embarrassment, and made a hasty gallop the length of the field and into the tunnel out of sight. Two more normally clad troopers landed with the same pinpoint accuracy and somehow, everyone had a feeling that this would be the highlight of the afternoon . . . and it was. Bowling Green 28, Ohio University 3.

But you know what. My son Cody and I (the other two seats went unfilled this day) still had a great time. We boogied out after Ohio went down three TD's to our traditional "post game" eating spot, "Taco John's", and had a great time together. Even though the 'Cats might not have much of a team this year, I still want to thank Ohio University for making each game "an Event" for me and my family. My boys will soon be leaving home, as they are both seniors in H.S. this year. Soon, I'll only be purchasing the two seats in row 18, leaving row 17, hopefully, to some father and his son or daughter, so that they, too, can enjoy a tradition of the event that is Ohio Bobcat's football.

I guess I answered my original question with this post. I know exactly why I do it . . . .