Gameday

Every kid dreams of waking up in the morning with that game day feeling. The day goes by slow. The task at hand and getting to the field is all you can think about all day. Hours before the game, before the stands have any people in it, before the popcorn is popped, or before all the custodians have finished setting everything up, you arrive to the stadium. Walking in the front gates, tailgating fans are cheering loudly and yelling good luck as you enter the stadium. The locker room smells like sweat, but you are glad to finally be there. The room is silent, but excitement fills the air. Players are getting taped up and putting their pads and helmets on. Music is blaring on the speakers and in the headphones of your teammates. The kickers and returners go out to start warming up. Outside the stadium, fans are starting to be let in; going to buy drinks and hot dogs, and trying to find their seats. Reporters and news anchors fill the sidelines, giving their takes and giving fans the latest updates on the upcoming game. Lots of people are taking pictures in front of the field and all around the stadium. After what seems like hours of getting ready to go out on the field, coach finally comes into the locker room and tells the team it’s time to go warm up. Chills go down your spine as you know it’s closer to game time. The team stretches, does some position work, and does final tune ups before going back into the locker room for the final time. The stands are starting to fill as the game clock continues to count down. Chatter becomes increasingly louder as it echoes off the walls inside the stadium. From inside the locker room you can hear the PA announcer advertising some type of product. Coaches come in and give their final speeches and say it’s time to go out on the field. Walking toward the tunnel, you can see the heads of people looking under the tunnel and starting to get anxious for the team to run out. The away team runs out on the field and is met with loud boos and some scattered cheers. The crowd suddenly goes silent. From the speakers, the fight song begins to play and the crowd starts going crazy. Coach yells something that is too hard to hear through all the noise and turns around to start running out of the tunnel. As the team runs out, the crowd goes insane. The fight song continues to play while the whole team runs out and the fans continue to go crazy. Your stomach drops just knowing it is time to take care of business. The national anthem is sung and it is go time. Both teams line up for the opening kickoff. The student section chanting and screaming and both sidelines yelling “oooooooooo!!!” The whistle is blown and the kicker takes his approach steps. And just like that, football season begins again. Are you ready?