Monday, September 01, 2008

Let's Bring On the Mountaineers!!

The smoke from the tunnel was still dancing around the field in small, quickly disappearing swirls of clouds. Just then the sun broke through the overcast sky, and sent yellow lines of light streaking through the haze to the ground below. Sitting in row 2 of section 102, I was surrounded by an ocean of gold 60,000 strong. 


And I've never felt so big and yet so small in my whole life.

The crowd was roaring as kick off drew near. But I sat in silence. Staring up at the brand new score board of the Milan Puskar Stadium, I watched as the graphics heralded in a brand new era. A brand new era indeed. 

Just nine months ago, we were a team betrayed. Left days before a bowl game with no coach, no time, and according to 84% of the country, no chance at rising up to a win over Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl. But as the gentleman's shirt next to me proclaimed...

"84% Wrong."

I watched the highlights from that bowl game with a rising pride in my chest and a lump in my throat. For that is the spirit of what it truly means to be a Mountaineer. And the further away I go from home in this life, the more important it is for me to be reminded of that. And often. 

Of integrity. Of rising up. Of doing the hard work to get the job done. No matter who doubts you. No matter who says that you can't.

I sat there in that stadium as the smoke danced toward the sun and stared out at an ocean of gold surrounding me. All of them. Standing there so full of hope, and so full of the promise that only a brand new season in a brand new era can offer. Just then the tears broke through behind my sunglasses and were sent streaking across the flying WV tattoo on my cheek below.

And I've never felt so big and yet so small.

Yea, there's no doubt about it. It was a damn good day to be a Mountaineer.



We're so excited we got to hang out with our awesome friends (and also past clients!) Erica & Matt!!


The view from our seats. Not bad, eh? :)

We like the football, we like the football, we like to play the football game!

Ok, so the score TOTALLY got cut off but as predicted we CRUSHED 'em 48 to 21.

"Yea OUR Sportscenter highlight goes like this."

15 comments:

Derek said...

Go Mountaineers! =D

Unknown said...

anyone in the stands NOT wearing yellow or blue?....

Annemarie said...

I love the ticket shot....I always try to remember to get that one too! Great shots from the game....and seriously, I'm with rnorm....was everyone in there wearing yellow and blue??? That's spirit!!

gabriel.ryan. said...

tactful usage of face paint. good times.

Stacy Cross said...

You guys are so adorable that I just want to squeeze the heck out of your cheeks!!!

cassandra-m said...

mary...you guys are hilarious. I love all the yellow & blue. Looks like you took a day to relax and unwind. Good for You!!! Hope all is going well. best always.

Samantha said...

What a great game. Let's go!!!

carla ten eyck said...

Can I just say how much I LOVE how the WV logo thingy looks like Wonder Woman's??

Can I?

Man, to be a part of something so prideful! Very powerful!

Val McCormick Photography said...

AWESOME SEATS!!! Glad it was an awesome time for you two :-)

~Hugs~
Val

Unknown said...

MARY and JUSTIN! YOU GUYS ROCKED IT OUT! I can't wait to get to some games this year! Hope all is well...love steve

Amanda Harris said...

You rockstars are going to be on teh forum today!!! I will be out but know I'll be waving from where I am :) xoxo

montague said...

looks like such a FUN day! thanks for stopping by my blog!

kymberli q. said...

These pictures are fabulous!! Too cute!!

Blah Blah said...

Guys that is some sick seats! Are you both going to PartnerCon LA? I'm not attending this year, but I'll probably stop by to say hi.

Anonymous said...

love college football!!