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It is nearly that time of year again. I’ll roll out of my cozy South Australian bed early on Sunday morning and stumble down to me study. With a couple of keystrokes and mouse clicks I’ll be connected to WSB Radio, an AM station that transmits from about 10,000 miles away. I’ll get the coffee brewing, let the dog in and check on my (hopefully) slumbering boys.
And then, I’ll take my seat in front of my computer turn up the volume and listen to Scott Howard and Eric Zeier call the kickoff of the University of Georgia Bulldogs 2009 football season.
I’m passionate about a lot of things, but not much elicits the same kind of fierce loyalty as my undergraduate alma mater’s football team. The biggest reasons for this devotion are the circumstances that got me to the University of Georgia. I spent most of 1995 and 1996 clueless and intoxicated in downtown Athens, Georgia. I was working two demeaning customer service jobs to pay the rent and keep me in food, booze and cigarettes. I flamed out in Seattle a couple of years earlier and was just treading water, eeking out a living trying to figure out what the hell to do with myself. I had quit or been kicked out of three different colleges and was beginning to think that a university degree was something that was beyond my abilities.
But a future spent waiting on assholes was too much to bear, so I decided to give university one more shot. I applied to UGA’s College of Family and Consumer Sciences to do a design course and to my surprise was accepted. And, to my surprise, I did really well. I aced Chemistry (a pre-req for any major in this particular college) and decided that maybe I was in the wrong line of work. I transferred to the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and started slicing through Physics, Calculus and Genetics like warm butter. I buckled down and just flat worked.
A handful of semesters later, ten years ago this June, I walked out of the University of Georgia with a B.S. in Biology. I’ve not since uttered the words, and god willing never shall again, ‘Hi, my name is Chris, can I take your order?”
I went on from Georgia to do a Ph.D. and post-doctoral work and now hold a faculty position at a university here in Australia. But no matter where I go, no matter what I do, I will always bleed red and black. The University of Georgia took a shot on a guy with three academic strikes, gave me a chance to turn around a pointless ‘career’ and showed me the on ramp to the road to a successful and satisfying life. And for that, they’ve earned my eternal devotion.
The least I can do is stay up late or get up early to cheer on the ‘Dawgs.
And I do. Every year since I left Athens in 1999. I’ve listened to or watched nearly every game. From three different continents now. I rarely get to watch a game these days, we don’t get much (any) college football in Oz. That’s OK, though, because I’ve come to love listening to the radio broadcast. It hearkens back to a bygone era and demands a bit more imagination than does an HD broadcast on a television larger than my car.
I don’t know how this season is going to go. Georgia’s got a young team with unproven players at the skill positions. They’ve got an incredibly tough schedule, from the opener against #9 Oklahoma State to the regular season finale against #15 Georgia Tech. Don’t get me wrong, I hope for a National Championship every year but it just doesn’t matter. Because whether the Georgia Bulldogs are 12-0 or 0-12, I’ll be cheering them on. I’ll cheer them on from the other side of the world in the middle of the night. Win or lose I’ll dress my boys in red and black and teach them to say “Go Dawgs!” (Boy Z has got it), for reasons that they don’t yet understand.
Because it isn’t about winning. It’s about loyalty and passion and pride. Whether or not we beat Tech this year, I know (as do thousands of Dawg fans) that my alma mater is the Finest University in the South. Whether or not we beat Florida this year, I know that you couldn’t have paid me enough to go to study at that bog down in Gainesville. Whether or not we beat Tennessee, Auburn and LSU this year, I’ll be the biggest Dawg fan in Australia – much to the amusement of friends and family.
But winning is nice. And a win in some dusty Oklahoma hamlet would be a good start to 2009. I’ve got a good feeling about the game on Saturday. The OSU Cowboys are the media’s Cinderella this season and thus are likely to see their coach turn into a pumpkin long before midnight on Saturday. The Dawgs win on the road under Coach Mark Richt and I suspect that these slack jawed Okies may be in for a bit more than they expected on Saturday.
Go Dawgs!
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Image credits:
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Billie Holiday’s version of “Georgia On My Mind” can be found on “The Complete Billie Holiday” available from 
.
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One last thing. There will be trash talk again this year. But to be honest, I couldn’t find an Oklahoma State fan that was literate enough to do the job. I’m not sure I’ll have any better luck next week with South Carolina either…
Go Dawgs!
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You have the mindset of a true fan. You stand behind your team just because they are “the team”. All the years I lived in San Diego I had season tickets for the Padres and so many people were rooting for the Padres when they did well and bad mouthed them when they didn’t do well. But I liked them because they were my team. I did watch football as well when I had TV but I enjoyed attending the baseball games very much. So I understand your loyalty and dedication to watch or listen whichever is available. Enjoy your game!!! Some day your boys will be with you for the games of the future.
Technobabe´s last blog ..Two Years Married and Four Years Together
“we don’t get much (any) college football in Oz.”
That’s because we’ve got REAL FOOTBALL!
No padding or helmets required here.
Looking forward to a sweet finals series, I am. GO PIES!!
Agnes´s last blog ..We may make it through the war if we make it through the night
I, too, had a lost period. Two years. I grew up in Cleveland. After high school, all my friends left for college. I was too broke and not bright enough to attend a university. Factories. Delis. Landscaping grub. Then I was rescued by the Coast Guard. I went, quite literally, from pumping gas to a member of a search in rescue team. God Bless Mother Coast Guard.
I’ve got that Billie Holiday collection and you’re right. It’s the bomb.
The Unbearable Banishment´s last blog ..New Jersey beautification project
The problem with AFL, Agnes, is that it’s just so chaotic. It’s kind of like someone grabbed a couple dozen blokes from the bar and gave them a ball. Currently watching the Crows dismantle Essendon and I just can’t stay interested.
As a lifelong fan of the Detroit Lions, I understand the sentiment that winning is not necessary for devotion.
SciFi Dad´s last blog ..The Great Social Networking Experiment
That’s one of the best reasons for being a fan of a team that I’ve ever heard, so I guess I have to give you a pass (like I wouldn’t anyway). It’s kind of like the girl I know who is a true Yankees fan. Usually I don’t give anyone a pass unless they’re actually from New York, but for her it’s a connection to family members, so it’s valid.
I just hate people who are fans of teams just because they’re good. There’s something vapid and mercenary about it. You don’t have to have a logical reason, but if your fandom doesn’t extend beyond winning seasons, then you should bother claiming to be a fan.
I’m a Georgia Tech fan for several reasons. I dreamed of going there from middle school through 11th grade, two of my cousins attended (one graduated with highest honors and is in grad school there now), my best friend went to school there and was in the marching band a few years, and I lived just off campus in an unofficial student neighborhood for six months after I graduated. I also started rooting for them as a kid as a minor act of rebellion against my dad, which is ironic considering the fact he pretty much just cheers for any team from Georgia.
I’m sure if I’d attended a school with a Div. 1A football program (or at least any football program at all), I would have switched loyalties to them, but Tech’s the closest I have to that.
I also have a tendency to take interest in good underdogs. I’m a pseudo-fan of Boise State for that reason. I love giant killers and they’ve played that role well the past few years. I don’t claim to be a fan of them, though. If they start losing, I’ll stop following. They’re just a fun team to watch and when a small-school team goes big, I’m always cheering for them.
I also have a knack for cheering for the underdog in a game regardless of who’s playing as long as one team isn’t Tech. Last night I was rooting for NC State for some reason, just because South Carolina was the favorite.
Jacob´s last blog ..This Is a Baby Post
I’ve been shopping for a toy-box for Jocelyn and thought of you guys when I saw this one, perfect for boy Z and not Max: http://www.itoyboxes.com/toy-boxes/themed-toy-boxes/ncaastainedbirchwoodstoragebench.cfm
April´s last blog ..Sort of Wordless Wednesday: The Door
It’s hard to explain the loyalty you have for your alma mater to a non-college fan. I can’t imagine having this kind of passion for a professional team. I definitely don’t feel that way about any South Florida teams despite growing up here. I’ll ignore your dig at Gainesville but I do respect the mindset of loving your college team even when they suck.
I was at the Marlins game last night getting updates on the NC State/South Carolina game from a friend in Aus. My college football source was in Australia, how’s that for crazy? He said there’s another college game on ESPN Sun morning but the listings didn’t say which game.
I’m headed to St. Louis to catch the Mizzou opener against Illinois. For some reason, the passion you described for Georgia is similar to mine for Mizzou…maybe going to a DII school for my undergrad degree wasn’t the way to foster strong loyalties…
Now that is commitment to your team, without a doubt. The Dawgs have a tough opener tomorrow.
Well, when you put it like that, it makes it really hard to trash-talk you.
But I will anyway. TO HELL WITH GEORGIA!
courtney´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesdays: Sleeping Indian Edition (do you see it?)
Tomorrow is truly one of the greatest days of the year! The Vols play early so I’ll be able to watch the Dawgs and hope they win for the SEC. On the other hand, I would LOVE to see ‘Bama go down.
Here In Franklin´s last blog ..Get the Beep Beep Out of My Way
Hey, be sure to check out ESPN 360, they might show the Georgia game. I say might show because there is this disclaimer: “subject to blackout.”
http://espn.go.com/broadband/espn360/index
http://espn.go.com/broadband/espn360/schedule
I’m assuming watching is free because I’ve watched a few baseball games and never signed up. That’s how I plan to watch the Mizzou vs. Illini game hopefully.
Matthew´s last blog ..Sort of Wordless Wednesday: The Door
I have to admit that you “G” background always throws me for a loop. I grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin and I know a football fan when I see one. May the force be with you!
heather´s last blog ..And I still believe that I can not be saved, and I still believe that I can not be saved
Although I can’t say I have a football team which commands my loyalty, I well remember the old school spirit. At my alma mater (high school) we had Houses named after the Greek classics. I was in Nemea (blue)and a more blue blooded Nemean you would be hard pressed to find. Now, as a teacher in the independent system, I am co-ordinator of my House and I have taken great pride in dragging the bottom of the league House into contention for the House Cup. When we didn’t come last at the swimming carnival last year, you would have thought we’d won!
It’s all about pride and team spirit.
Go Dawgs!!!!!!!!
(It’s also infectious)
arizaphale´s last blog ..Someone Notify the RSPCC
“The problem with AFL, Agnes, is that it’s just so chaotic. It’s kind of like someone grabbed a couple dozen blokes from the bar and gave them a ball.”
I bet that’s exactly how it started too – a bunch of drunken convicts fighting over a ball!
I watched the Adelaide/Bombers game and turned it off at 3 qtr time. Always nice to see Essendon lose though. Always.
Glad the Doggies lost yesterday too but not at all happy that Brisbane came back and beat Carlton. I can’t stand Carlton, but I hate Brisbane more for their three consecutive premierships, two of them over Collingwood. Oh, and for Johnathan Brown.
Speaking of Collingwood, I better go put my colours on in preparation for today’s big match. Go Pies!
Agnes´s last blog ..Daytrotter Update
Technobabe – I’m definitely planning a trip up to UGa for a game with the boys in a few years or so.
TUB – Didn’t know you were a Coast Guard guy. Well done.
SciFiDad – I guess so. You’ve got our old QB up there this year. Curious to see how he does.
Jacob – I tend to root for the underdog as well, though I was rooting for the Wolfpack because I can’t stand Steve Spurrier and love watching him cry.
April – If they would ship that overseas, I would totally buy it.
Kerry – One has one game a week and ESPN sometimes has games but they’re often superceded by stupid things like European football. A lot of games are available on the internet, but the problem that you’ll discover when you get here is that basically every internet plan has download limits. Which is annoying.
Nathan – I wish I could get some more passion for Mizzou. They looked better than Georgia did.
SIS – Yeah. It was tough.
Courtney – I don’t like you very much.
HIF – Bama looked good.
Matthew – It doesn’t work outside the US, unfortunately.
Heather – I know. Georgia ripped it off from the Packers back in the 60’s.
Ariza – The whole house system is odd. I’m curious to see how my kids go through it.
Agnes – Still looks like a bunch of drunken convicts fighting over a ball. So I think the Crows play Collingwood next. Is Collingwood your team?
A Free Man´s last blog ..Game Day: From the mouths of babes
Yeah Collingwood’s my team. Had hoped we’d beat St Kilda yesterday and earn ourselves a week off, but sadly it was not the case. At least we get another chance, and we beat the Crows convincingly in Adelaide a few rounds ago – here’s hoping we can pull it off again!
Agnes´s last blog ..New on the bookshelf
Agnes – I was trying to work out what AFL team I should barrack for, because I’m pretty convinced that Boy Z is going to be an AFL player. I don’t really care that much for either of the Adelaide teams. The Crows are OK, but there’s too much Crows shit everywhere and I like to be different. Port? Teal. And ‘Port Parrr’ annoys me as well. But I do like magpies. So I’ve decided that whoever wins the Crows-Magpies game on Saturday will be my team.
“Teal” just about sums up Port doesn’t it? No further words are required.
Let’s hope the Pies win then! You can’t live out the rest of your days as a Crow supporter.
Agnes´s last blog ..New on the bookshelf
It is just too bad that you can’t watch the game, somehow, on your computer. But I’m glad you can listen. And that the boys (yes, boys plural!) can wear their gear with pride on game day!
Coal Miner’s Granddaughter´s last blog ..F*ck It.
Since we’re in different conferences, may both our teams do well. Although mine’s not showing so great so far.
Gypsy´s last blog ..The Butt Pinch Barometer