For many students at Ohio University, a Bobcat is more than a mascot. For many, it's a source of pride and holds great importance when supporting sports teams. Alumni and students alike are proud to call themselves a part of the Bobcat family in everyday life, but this becomes especially important when they support their favorite football team.
A sense of pride and solidarity could be felt miles away from Peden Stadium as Bobcats of all ages supported their favorite team in the game between classic rivals, Ohio and Miami. The game this year was especially popular because it took place on the Saturday of Halloween weekend, a tradition for many Athens residents. While at the game, students discussed the importance of school spirit, some of their favorite moments from this year’s games and how proud they were to call themselves Bobcats.
Ainsley Poland, a freshman studying music production and recording industry, said she enjoys going to the home football games as often as possible because they are a good opportunity to show school spirit.
“I try to go every weekend just because it’s a good way to get out and not be cooped up in your dorm the whole time,” she said. “I love the marching band so that’s usually what gets me to go in the first place. I don’t know too much about football so it’s really fun at halftime to see everybody out. I get chills every time.”
Poland said she plans on attending hockey games later in the season as well as soccer games whenever possible.
She said her favorite football game so far was the one against Kent State. Although it was a gloomy day, she said the beautiful fall foliage made it really enjoyable.
“Our seats were good,” Poland said. “We could see everything. It was just really fun. It was nice.”
Dylan Ryder, a freshman studying pre-physical therapy, said he tries to go to games as often as possible; however, if a game is scheduled too early in the morning, he usually skips to sleep in. He said he also went and supported a lot of games in high school due to his love for football.
He said his favorite game was the game against Kent State and he plans on also attending basketball and hockey games.
“We were just having a lot of fun,” he said. “The energy was awesome. It was pretty much packed.”
Holly Fryburger, a freshman studying biological sciences, said she has gone to every home game except for the Homecoming game this year. She said she really enjoys being able to support the team.
Fryburger said she also tries to go to the women’s soccer games and field hockey games, and she recently went to watch a volleyball game against Bowling Green State University. She said she thinks it's very important to support as many teams as possible.
“I like to support all the teams because everyone deserves to be watched, and I played sports in high school,” she said.
She said she really enjoyed the Kent State game because of the band and the view of The Ridges was exceptionally phenomenal.
“I try to go to every one of them because I feel like it’s good to support our school, and I feel like our winning streak has helped me really want to come to the games,” Fryburger said.
