Because I'm scared.
I'm going to the game, you see. And although I'm a Marshall alumnus, I've been to my share of Mountaineer games. Growing up anywhere north of Huntington's city limit line makes one pretty familiar with WVU football. I was in the stadium when Jeff Hostetler outplayed Doug Floutie, and when Major Harris and his crew beat Penn State. The Blue and Gold fans are loud, and passionate.And mean. Really, really mean.
They really scared me when I was last there, in 1997. During that brief quarter-and-a-half when Marshall led WVU 31-28 (before losing, ultimately, in their first football meeting with WVU during The Industrial Age) I balanced my excitement about the potential win with my fear of getting out of Morgantown alive.
It was a valid fear. Trust me.
So, in the event something goes horribly wrong on Saturday, here are a few things I want made public. Just in case...
1. I intend to continue updating The Film Geek web log. If you notice that I have not updated this site by Monday afternoon, something has gone awry. Contact the police, quickly, and let them know that I am missing;
2. I would never--ever--write an entry that is complimentary of WVU, regardless of whether or not they win the contest this Saturday. If such a post appears, it is under duress. Again, please contact the appropriate authorities;
3. I'd like it on record that I currently possess all my limbs, fingers, toes and both eyes, and that all are typically shaped and function appropriately. Should I return otherwise, it is likely the work of the Blue and Gold Rogues Gallery;
4. If I end up arrested and in jail for assault, there is no doubt that I was not the aggressor, and that it was started by someone wearing a Pitt Sucks But Marshall Swallows T-shirt. Should I be arrested for public intoxication, however, ...Well, that one is probably on me;
And finally:
5. Mrs. Film Geek is going to the game with me. Should she not return, it wasn't my fault she went missing. Honest. It must have been those damn Mountaineers...
25 comments:
I was at the game in 1997. I went with a college friend and her parents. Her dad openly worried that I was going to get the shit kicked out of me since I was so "green" that day. All I was wearing was my #1 MU jersey signed by Tim Martin and green nail polish. And it was a sad day. But I did return home in one piece.
And funny you should mention the t-shirt. I used to have one that said "What did the WVU graduate say to the MU graduate? Would you like fries with that?" I don't know what happened to that shirt but it was one of my faves.
OK, here's the thing: The typical Marshall fan is so obnoxious toward WVU (i.e What did the WVU graduate say to the MU graduate? Would you like fries with that?") that they draw the fire of the most beligerant of them. Frankly most WVU fans in Morgantown couldn't care less that it's Marshall, just that it's an opposing team. They only get really cranked up about Pitt and Vajenyatek.
How bout them 'eers? Nice try on your Scott Peterson alibi Film Geek. I'm not sure that I buy that. I can see a drunken WVU fan getting rowdy with a dude but I'm not sure that they'd mess with a lady - unless Mrs. Film Geek can curse like a sailor and throw down some bad mojo.
I have to agree with Charles. I was in Motown the day of the 1997 game. Though I remember watching it I don't know if it was after the fact or not because I do know that JDB and I were going to a concert of a band playing their first American tour in Pittsburgh that evening and we had tickets to a pre-show special session where fans could talk with the band and watch them tune up and stuff.
In fact, I'm sure that we weren't there for the whole game because I remember waking up in the middle of the night and turning on the tv and seeing that Princess Di had been killed in that car accident not long before I turned on the tv (IIRC). Wow, how's that for a pairing...Marshall losing their first game in I-A football and Princess Di getting killed within 24 hours of each other. I'm sure there was some Herd-Di fan somewhere who was having a very bad weekend.
Hopefully, whoever wins the game this weekend, no foriegn dignitary will have to buy the farm over the outcome. Oh, and back to what Charles was saying...Sports Illustrated has this story about the "rivalry" that isn't quite there between the two schools. I'm sorry but I have to say that many of the people who I knew at WVU just didn't see what the big deal was and I'm not sure why.
Charles, thanks for stopping by.
As I said, I've spent a significant amount of time with WVU fans (and been one myself, for a while) and MU. I don't agree about the typical fan not caring that it is MU. Fact is, they would care a hell of a lot more if they lost to MU than they would if they lost to VA Tech. Or, anyone else...that makes it important.
Okay, I could see that.
BTW, speaking of VTech and rowdy fans. I recall one year when the crowd was very rowdy down there when we played in Blacksburg. Don Wilcox (WVU Director of Bands) had our 20 tubas form a type of phalanx on the outside of a very compacted band column (as compact as you can make 300+ people). We were advised not to mess with, taunt, or say anything to the fans but to not let anyone break our ranks by walking through us as that could lead to a disaster if we got separated. The Tuba section leader advised the tuba players to hold their giant mouthpieces in their balled up hand and be ready to whack someone if they absolutely had to (like a makeshift brass knuckles - I wouldn't want to get hit with one of those).
We were fine getting into the stadium though we took some pretty harsh words. Coming out of the stadium was a bit more hectic as I think that was the year we went undefeated and went to the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. We did the same trick but didn't have to march as far to the busses. Unfortunately we were in line of sight of the towers dorm-type complex from which someone (perhaps on a grassy knoll) fired several bb's into the band hitting one of our trombone players in the face pretty bad and several others got nicks and scratches. What a mess! There were some other games like that in high school and jr. high (going to East Bank H.S. and Cedar Grove Jr. High) where we had to duck down to avoid shattering glass when parents and students threw rocks at our busses. Sheesh!
I don't know what's worse when going into a situation like that, being an individual fan or being a target with a uniform. Maybe it depends on the circumstances.
You'll be OK, Film Geek. Just watch out for flying trashcans and burning couches.
Let's go, Mountaineers. :)
Hey Chuck, did you really say "The typical Marshall fan is so obnoxious toward WVU" and then use Barbie's "joke" that has been traded about by BOTH schools?
It's fun to watch you guys from the University of Southern Pittsburgh at Morgantown (USPAM)come up with reasons to downplay the game. It's also fun to watch you guys talk about how good you are and how hyped you are about owning the "Big Weak" Conference for another year.
It's even more amazing to watch you go all "holier than thou" about the "typical" Marshall fan being the instigator. Please. For years the effete snobbery from the other university in the northern part of the state does make the southern part of the state a little, shall we say, perturbed.
You guys can keep Hoppy Kerchival and Jeff Jenkins, and the rest of the Metro News "Homers" who jock WV-Who every day. I'm not even talking about the game anymore, but if you don't want stones thrown at you, then don't act like you're above any type of "rivalry" with the other university.
You're "just another game" mantra makes me want to puke. If you chalk up a "W" after Saturday, that's fine...then both schools can move on. Until then, don't worry about Pitt and VaTech (who did the smart thing and bailed out on your boy Tranghese and the Big Least).
...Are you sure you're not Mitch Vingle?
Just knuckle up and be ready to play the game.
The Herd's coming to town, and we'll set your stupid couches on fire for you.
Wow OR75! I find it interesting and amusing that you think I am some kind of a rabid WVU fan. I am not. I went to neither school, I live in Charleston and I pretty much root for both schools equally. When they play each other I root for whoever has the ball.
But that you spent so much energy and typing blasting me for my supposed WVU allegiance pretty much proves my point. Marshall fans care about this rivalry a little too much and therefore come on pretty strong. I used the term obnoxious because that's the way I've heard it described by WVU fanatics.
Now Film Geek, there is a definite difference in the way local Huntington/Charleston (and probably most southern WV) WVU fans and Morgantown area fans think about this game. I was speaking of the Morgantown fans when I said they don't care about Marshall. They are the most likely trash can throwers. You'll be fine.
I wish I could say the same for any WVU fan that might have a chance run in with off route 75!
OK, I have called the Off Route 75/Charles bout an official draw. The bell has sounded, so...
I think that I can speak pretty confidently here that you won't be in any danger of imminent bodily harm if you meet up with OR75 in a dark alley, even if he's dressed head-to-toe in green and carrying a pair of "thunder sticks"! Now, I can't say the same about his wife... :-)
I bet 75 can do some pretty good ninja moves the a couple of fully inflated thunder sticks...
...or, "with a couple of..." man, i hate typos
If my team was 4/7 I wouldn't feel right talking smack to a 11/1 team. So here are some game day tips for fans of the 4/7 team:
1. Keep quiet
2. Avoid eye contact
3. Designate a concession/restroom buddy. Never wander off by yourself
4. Always remember, to you it sounds like "We Are Marshall", but to the rest of us it sounds like "Wheel of Fortune"
Hey Jackie: A valid point, for sure. Of course, last year's record was the first losing record for MU in the last 20 years. I'm certain WVU has had more than one losing record during that time (Nehlan had a few dog years, when he the team was down). So, I'm not certain that record comparisons are really in WVU's favor.
By the way, I LOVED that list...especially the Wheel Of Fortune comment. Odd, I never made that connection before, but you are right. It is that same sound. LOL
Sage wisdom from the jack-o-lantern man! I wonder what "Let's go...Mountaineers" can sound like under the right conditions?
One thing that I will mention is that putting lots of obnoxious pro-your team and anti-WVU stuff on or in your car is an invitation for vandalism. I witnessed some of the results of that when I was a student at WVU walking around before and after the games. As a recent car break-in victim I have to say that it's probably better to leave the truly obnoxious stuff back in Huntington ... or wherever in southern WV from which you hail. I can only imagine how well received that some of 75's witticisms would be received ... like that silly USPAM stuff (if the drunken vandalism-prone student gets the joke ... it is a joke isn't it?).
Words of wisdom, to be sure. And it doesnt' have to be obnoxious stuff that gets damaged. Last year I forgot my Marshall flag on my car (the one that connects to the window), and when I returned after the game it was broken, and placed under my wipers.
Hey Jedi - go burn a couch or something! Whether they win this game or not, WVU sucks ass! They have quite the pansy-ass schedule this year anyway for their non-conference games. If they get to a bowl, they'll pull their usual choke and lose shit out anyway. I hope the EERs burn in hell!
(Just realizing which sibling got the tact in the family...) ROFL
Hi sis. Haven't seen you for a while. ;-)
Hey Charles, I know Film Geek called it a "draw," but I felt an obligatory response to your comments were in order (not because I'm considering this an argument or that I'm taking score.
Wow OR75! I find it interesting and amusing that you think I am some kind of a rabid WVU fan. I am not.
Well Charlie, I responded that way because you made(what could be considered as)disparaging comments about "Marshall Fans" and their views of wvu. In all honesty, most Herd fans didn't care about wv-who, to be honest. However, hearing the constant "we're THE university in West Virginia" along with the comments made about Marshall's nickname (though "Blundering Turds" is kinda funny), then coupled with that attitude we are somehow beneath the university in Morgantown is what drew my ire. I'm sick of it. Point is, I don't have to be a "rabid" fan of Marshall to become annoyed with most wvu fans desire to "drop their payload" on Marshall by making their comments and "head for the barn" without hearing a response from the other side (thanks for that phrase Jedi....you wvu bastard!).
I went to neither school, I live in Charleston and I pretty much root for both schools equally. When they play each other I root for whoever has the ball.
Remember "Animal House" when everybody was coughing "bull$h!t!" and "blow job!" when Greg Marmalarde and Dean Wormser threw the the Delta boys out? That's what I started doing when I read that comment. Seriously. There's nobody in this state who feels that way. If you do, you don't pay attention to the game and either University (maybe you root for Alderson-Broaddus or something, I'm not sure). Besides, you're last comment sounded more critical of Marshall than wvu, so provide some "equality" in your response, and maybe I won't think your just saying that.
But that you spent so much energy and typing blasting me for my supposed WVU allegiance pretty much proves my point. Marshall fans care about this rivalry a little too much and therefore come on pretty strong.
No, what I spent my energy on was you making a statement about typical Marshall fans being obnoxious. I'm a Marshall fan, but that doesn't mean I resort to calling wvu fans "Mountainqueers" or anything stupid like that (well, at least on a public board like this one ;)
I used the term obnoxious because that's the way I've heard it described by WVU fanatics.
So, by your definition of a fanatical fan, does that make wvu fans "obnoxious," or are they above reproach?
I wish I could say the same for any WVU fan that might have a chance run in with off route 75!
That made me laugh. If somebody wants to root for wvu against Marshall, hey that's fine. What I don't want to hear is someone pulling for wvu make a derogatory statement about my school and then expect to go without a comment being made back to them.
I'm not saying you felt that way, really. I'm just using that last statement as a generalization.
...but I know fans in Morgantown may say they're not concerned about this game....but if they're smart then they would be concerned about every game.
Anyway, I've got thundersticks....and I'm not afraid to use them! LOL.
Film geek- I'm glad you've realized I'm the one in the family who got the tact - not that awful, mouthy jedi!
Hey Jedi - call me tonight and I'll tell you about an interview I had.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
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I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
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I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
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I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
I apologize for calling Marshall fans obnoxious.
Go Herd!
LMAO. That's fine Charles, you may go outside and join the rest of your classmates at recess. ;)
I like your blog, by the way.
~75
I'll take Mrs. Film Geek against all you WVU bitches!
Huh, 42-10. I'd say that Jackie had some good advice in the end as it sounds like Mr. and Mrs. Film Geek escaped Motown unmolested (or at least made it back to their hotel).
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