September 9, 2023 @ 12:00 - JMU (-6) vs. UVA
On Saturday the JMU Dukes head to Charlottesville to take on UVA for the first time since 1983 (UVA leads the all-time series 2-1). Because of this matchup between my alma mater (JMU) and the school I grew up rooting for (UVA), I have had no less than 100 people reach out to me and ask me who I will be rooting for in this in-state “rivalry.”*
Are you ready to get mad?
You will get an answer to your question in this blog, but I want you to know that in the 10 remaining games for both teams, I WILL be rooting for them equally as hard no matter who I choose to root for on Saturday when they square off. If you have a problem with that 1) I challenge you to worry about yourself and 2) I challenge you to a good ole fashion “knowledge off” where I will prove my worthiness of fanhood and also embarrass you in front of all your friends.
If you still want to yell at something, it's supposed to be cloudy on Saturday so you can yell at the sky.
Do I root for UVA? A program I have been a diehard fan of since I learned how to walk, a program I have experienced a lot of heartbreak and some immense joy with, a program where I don’t even have an educated guess on how many sporting events I have been to in person because that number is just too high for me to count and expands over 23+ years. How do I not root for that team this Saturday?
Do I root for JMU? Harrisonburg is where I met most of my best friends and where I spent the best four years of my life. I worked for the JMU baseball, softball, basketball, and football teams as an undergrad which grew my love for sports. The memories I made and the amount of fun I had in the hills of Harrisonburg will stick with me for a lifetime..but is that enough to trump my sick addiction and loyalty to UVA sports?
My Answer: My heart will be with UVA on Saturday and there is just no way it can’t. I simply do not have the ability to root against them, nor do I have the ability to stand by and be a neutral spectator. To be honest, I hope this game gets canceled because my hands are getting sweaty and my anxiety level is at an all time high just writing this blog.
Good news for JMU though, the teams I root for usually don’t win.
*I quote the world “rivalry” because I do not consider it one due to my love for both schools.
Comments