This post is only partially about the UC Berkeley vs. Stanford football game on 10/20/12. I’m focus mostly on my day in a broader sense.
I’ve grown to love college football, and football in general this year. With the exception of this past week, I’ve attended every home game. Something about being in the middle of the student section, cheering on the team through an in-group mentality feels empowering. Unequivocal. Ecstatic.
Now, what makes The Big Game special to me isn’t particularly because we’re facing off against our Bay Area arch-nemesis. It’s because the most influential figure of my life, Captain Graham, comes up every year for the game.
Cabo San Lucas, July 2010.
The game itself was a bit disappointing, because we lost of course. Most of the action occurred in the first quarter, and the score remained unchanged throughout the second half of the game. Even then, I was amongst good company in a good crowd. Our football team may have been defeated, but our spirits stood their ground. GO BEARS!
The newly renovated Memorial Stadium.
Oh Stanfurd…
I met up with Captain Graham and his wife Deanna after the game. We slowly walked around south side and through parts of campus. I gave them a tour and identified Boalt Law School, certain classrooms, South Hall, Bancroft/University Library, the Campanile, and VLSB.
It was a great feeling being able to give the two a tour around campus. Although they’ve been on campus a few times, they had never been taken their time to look at campus aesthetics.
We then walked to the BART station where we said our goodbyes. The next time I’ll see him will be back in Orange County this upcoming winter break. Until next time!
If I happen to attend The Big Game these upcoming years, I’ll be sure to sit in the alumni section and return the BEARS call to the student section’s GO!
Andy Cheng 