Why I love College Football- Or how a friendship began!

So, unless you've been living under a rock or don't know me at all, you know that I'm a sports fan.  I love my Lakers.  I'm a Kings fan.  I kind of like soccer, especially the World Cup. But I love college football and my Fighting Irish!




I've loved college football since I was a kid and grew up going to USC games because my family had season tickets (mom's an alum).  Those 6 or 7 Saturdays every fall are great childhood memories.  Mom would make us my favorite sandwiches, ham, provolone, and pepperoni- no mayo for me thank you very much.  We'd picnic on the lawn in front of the Natural History Museum on SC's campus.  My brother and I'd throw the football around.  We'd go to the games.  Cheering for SC with everyone else.  Even as a little girl though I refused the whole "Fight On" thing.


Still when I started thinking about choosing a college, I felt no affection towards USC. Those days were separate.  Starting in high school, I used to always think that the other fans were classier, their cheerleaders better, more collegiate somehow.  My senior year in high school, Rocket scorched the SC defense as the Irish destroyed the Trojans en route to their last national championship.  I'd already decided to apply to Notre Dame by then, but I remember observing the crowed watching the game. I cheered for ND for the first time that day.


Then my college years started and a fall football season at Notre Dame is like no other experience.  Sure I love the game, but its about the loyalty and rivalries that people feel for their schools. That is what I loved, still love.  I was hooked.


As an adult, I still love college football, it reminds me of my days in college, good memories of those football Saturdays bakc int he day.  A few years ago, I took care of the son of a guy who played for one of ND's rivals.  He told me about playing against Montana.  As our game approached we placed a friendsly wager of $5.  His son, now 5 is thankfully healthy, and every year the bet is renewed.  This is why I love college football.  Sure our schools are rivals, but there is a respect for the traditions.


 When I joined twitter, on those days that I'd watch ND games on my own.  I'd live-tweet them.  I noticed others doing the same.  One woman stood out.  She clearly loved her team, but she appreciated others who loved their teams.  Thus,  a "friendship" was born.  Initially I didn't even know that Jen lived in Los Angeles.  She was just a football fan I twittered away with on Saturdays.  I have many sports fans like that.  Mostly Lakers fans, but I appreciate them nonetheless.


Then last New Years Day, I met Jen for the first time at my friend Kim's New Years party. A friendship grew.  We respect each others love of college football and our teams.  So when the god of bowl games decided to have our teams play each other for the first time since we were in college.  The idea of a roadtrip took oh about 20 seconds to blossom.


Therefore, I am going to drive to El Paso with Canes fan Jennifer Vides and we're going to love every moment.  If you wanna follow these two crazy football fans from rival schools travel together, check out Football-Loving-Women!


Go Irish Beat the Canes!!!