Saturday night the Wildcats traveled to Midwestern State and suffered their worst loss in recent memory. Despite the tumultuous three hours for ACU on the field, covering a game from the sidelines and press box was a wonderful experience.
An hour before the LSC matchup, players and coaches could be seen going through drills or doing some light stretching on the sidelines. The atmosphere gave off a sense of anticipation and adrenaline as the opening kickoff drew closer.
While the players exuded a quiet confidence and focus, media members and fans made small talk about potential game breakers and the big hitters that were critical to a LSC title or playoff run. After a few minutes of shooting the breeze, free food was on the schedule. Anyone who was hungry or thirsty was handed a free Quiznos sandwich and a Dr. Pepper. Being down on the field before the game with a complimentary dinner was a dream come true, as it would be for any sports fan.
After the meal and all the soda I could drink, it was time to head into a press box complete with Wi-Fi, a padded chair and air conditioning. I felt like a swanky businessman entertaining clients, at least for the instant before I snapped back to reality.
Because the Wildcats were away from Shotwell, most of the journalists were Mustang fans. This made for some awkward touchdown celebrations early in the game. The excitement of each big Wildcat play was met with glares of disdain from the enemy camp. Eventually, as MSU began to pull away, silence became an ACU fan’s best friend.
After the first quarter, the intensity left the press box, and the group became more lighthearted, except for the two ACU writers. These two men sat somberly in the corner and watched their beloved team begin to crumble before their eyes.
When halftime finally rolled around, more refreshments and food were given away free of charge. Once again, the writers were reminded of how sweet their job really is. Free food and free football, two beautiful things coming together to create a unique experience that is most commonly found in fantasies.
The second half proved to be just as horrific as the first, and the Wildcat faithful left Memorial Stadium shaking their heads. Despite the loss, being treated like a superstar and having all the amenities of a movie theater though at a college football game left unforgettable memories.
