What's going on, Albuquerque?

Homecoming

I was never a huge Lobo's fan. I was born here in the Duke City but raised in Texas and my fingers naturally form into a Hook em Horns sign rather than a barking wolf. Having said that, I think it's time to change my home team. After winning the tickets from DCF the wife and I headed down to the field around 4 o'clock. She actually took off work early so she could make it. It was her first football game after all and I wanted her to experience it from start to finish.

We arrived at the parking lot and noticed how few cars were parked there. I had heard of the low attendance of fans to the games but had no idea it was this bad. We pulled in next to the big tent and it was locked down too. Some students walked by holding books and I had a funny feeling something wasn't quite right. I looked at Irma, seeing the confused look on her face, I suddenly realized that it was Friday.

So, trying not to look too foolish, I told my wife not to mention this to anyone as she laughed at me in a horrible way only wives can do. So I took her to Texas Land and Cattle and then a movie to bribe her into silence. Such a foolish man I am.

The next day, we drove up and were happy to see it was the right day due to the police present and orange vests walking around.

We came into the big Alumni tent, picked up our tickets, hit the buffet and sat at the front table just in time for the Old Timers Marching band to make their appearance. Ronald McDonald even came by to compliment me on my awesome fur cap.

We enjoyed the food, looked at the auction, then walked to the stadium. My wife was born in Mexico, she knows futbol, not so much football, so it was actually a huge treat for me to show her around. Not that I am an expert mind you. It does make it seem so though when the person your teaching doesn't know anything about the subject. I played High School ball and have heated the benches here and there so I know enough to make her think I know what I'm talking about. She does the same with her enchiladas.

We found our seats and she wrapped herself in the blanket as we ate some popcorn and twizzlers.

I think the running chant in our section was "Throw the Ball!!" rather than Go Lobos!

I dunno. Having played a bit. Having watched a bit. Fans can be dillwads. I found myself rooting for the Lobos more out of frustration that the hard core fans weren't more supportive of the home team than anything else. So what if the team is having an off year! Get behind 'em, show some love in good times and bad. Through coaches that slap and couches that suck. Its the home team. Kind of like marriage without the option of divorce, so make the best of it and enjoy it for what it is - a game.

That's my opinion anyway.

The Lobo's lost. It ain't the end of the world. It ain't even the end of the season. I had fun. Irma enjoyed it and thanks to DCF and the Lobos, they just found themselves two more fans. We might even get season tickets.

Thanks DCF and the Alumni folks for the tix.

Woof Woof.

Tags: Lobos, UNM, football

0 members like this

Comment by Matt Barth on October 26, 2009 at 6:22am: Glad you enjoyed it...wish I did.

Comment by LC on October 26, 2009 at 9:48am: It has no doubt been a tough season for the Lobos, but I like your attitude about still getting behind your home team even in bad times. We have season tickets and try to make a day of it by tailgating and getting some friends together. Win or lose, we still have a good time. Go Lobos!

Comment by once banned twice shy on October 26, 2009 at 10:54am: Yeah, one of the problems here in Albq. is that the Lobo fans are fickle. Sure, it's not fun to see your team lose, but they still need the support and it IS the home team. Look at the Phillies fans--they suffered through season after season of seeing their team lose to finally see them win the Series last year--and win their League's championship this year. So, Lobo fans, hang in there and maybe your patience will be rewarded...

Comment by mateoism on October 26, 2009 at 10:55am: Yeah, I don't think its about winning or losing when it comes to Lobos Football. The much more enjoyable way of viewing it is through the traditions, the atmosphere, and everything else. I thrilled that you won those tickets and made it to the Alumni tailgate tent! We (the Homecoming Committee) put lots of time and energy into making it a fun day of events. Your post made the whole thing worthwhile for me!

Comment by Adelita on October 26, 2009 at 12:24pm: I'm more of a basketball fan than football. Been going to games since I was about 5 years old. Seen the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to coaches. But I always support my Lobos win or lose! I just love the atmosphere of "being there", especially in The Pit! Go Lobos!

Comment by Jdogg on October 26, 2009 at 2:18pm: I wouldn't describe the fans as fickle so much as just not very supportive to begin with. Fickle would imply that the fans were there in the first place and demand better. Lobo football fans seem to have just given up on college football altogether. I can understand the frustration of an 0-7 season but c'mon, these are your Lobos win or lose. You have to show support. I was in the stands sitting next to a group of so called Lobo fans, some older men who had gone so far as to cheer for interceptions and fumbles. They actually yelled out, "Here comes the fumble!" It was sad.

Comment by Jdogg on October 26, 2009 at 2:19pm: That said, the atmosphere itself was great and the Homecoming Committee did a superb job. It was a great day for football.

Comment by abqmom on October 26, 2009 at 4:41pm: I guess if our taxes weren't paying for abusive coaches and overpriced administration we would be more apt to cheer for the Lobos...but it isn't the team's fault, you are right about that, they are trying...

Comment by Lee on October 27, 2009 at 8:08am: having spent a good deal of time situated squarely between aggieland and that mecca of all texas football, "tu", I fully understand your expectations of football crowds. The thing that seems to get lost in a lot of college sports (at least from a fans point of view) is that it is supposed to be fun, relaxed and like you alluded too.. it IS just a game.
Sounds like you and your wife had fun... so even if the lobos lost.. you won.
Lloved that you showed up on friday, still get a chuckle out of that.
Dont sweat it.. showed up for my plane 24 hours early once. Try hiding that one in front of a line of 300 people trying to get through security.
Thanks for the post !!

Comment by Ben Moffett on October 27, 2009 at 9:21am: Speaking of Aggies and Lobos, I am always amazed that New Mexicans don't love both teams. The dollars to support them come out of the same (legislative) pot, and the two teams win-loss ratio in head to head competition is about proportionate to the size of the cities they are in, their alumni bases, enrollment and legislative split based on those factors. The Lobos should target Utah University as its major rival -- the top university in a similar sized state, as a strategy for improvement. The Aggies should focus on UTEP, which competes with them for market share and gets its money from Austin, not Santa Fe. Aggies and Lobos should be keen only on game day. The number of New Mexico players they compete for are minimal. The so-called Rio Grande Rivalry is determintal to a healthy program, even if it brings in a few extra fans on game day..