Be a Minority

“The test of courage comes when we are in the minority. The test of tolerance comes when we are in the majority.”

Ralph W. Sockman

In every crowd, there is always one person who wants to stand out and be noticed. Rather it be in blazing their own trail or be joined by others in blazing the new trail. Always remember there are other sports throughout the country, that maybe aren’t played in the state of Nebraska, or maybe the sports are played at a higher level, with better teams or individuals participating in the activities.
I am a proud Oregon Duck fan, and can say that in less than 50 days, the Oregon Ducks debut their 2009 football season against a perennial power, the Boise State Broncos on the blue turf in a primetime Thursday night contest.It should be a thriller to start the college football season, and in the state of Nebraska, I can honestly say that I am a minority supporter of the ‘Quack Attack’. The amount of criticism I have met due to actually opening up my eyes, and seeing that there is good football played outside the state of Nebraska. In the state of Nebraska, it is a no-brainer, the majority of people support the Husker sports program and there is nothing wrong with supporting the home team, why not step out and do something different and not be a cookie cutter fan. Speaking of the Huskers football team, who do they play in their opening game, I am guessing it isn’t a team the caliber of Boise State?
Don’t get me wrong, I am a follower of Nebraska athletics and the Huskers, but will always remember my true loyalties in Nebraska belong to a team that wears blue and the name of Nebraska-Kearney on their uniforms. Annually the UNK athletic programs combine to compete for the All-Sports trophy in the RMAC conference, and I do believe, they have won the hardware a couple times. In the economy we currently are encountering, why not go support a team that is just a short road trip for most, and you are able to buy tickets and snacks for the whole family, for what one single ticket cost to a Nebraska Football game. I have been to a plethora of different sporting events in support of multiple schools, but the top two fan environments that I have ever experienced was the 2003 NCAA Division II Central Regional Basketball tournament in Kearney, that UNK won and the 2004 Division II Volleyball Elite Eight and especially the National Championship game that UNK played in, on their own home court. The aura was magical, and will never be forgotten by all the people in attendance at those events. I have been accused of having blue blood running through my veins, due to my loyalty and support of Loper athletics and I am proud of the accusations.

The majority is always an easy place to hide, How many people does Memorial Stadium in Lincoln hold, approximately 80,000? Foster Field or the Health and Sports Center in Kearney wouldn't know what to think if 80,000 people showed up for a game, but the faithful that attend Loper sporting events make themselves heard when they are present. The volleyball and hoops teams have always played in front of large crowds, and for the premier games, the Loper football team has had good attendance numbers. A person has to stand up and be noticed,give the team you are supporting a home-field or court advantage.


Thinking of home-field advantage, it doesn’t get much better than the Oregon Ducks, Autzen Stadium. Autzen Stadium holds less than 60,000 people, but has recorded a a record decibel level of 127 at the Michigan vs. Oregon football game. A couple people that would know this the best would be the opposing coach, Michigan’s Lloyd Carr said, “Autzen Stadium is the loudest stadium he had ever been in,” and ESPN’s Lee Corso has always quoted, “Per person Autzen Stadium is the loudest stadium that I have ever been in my entire life.” I am not sure, but I do believe that they have been in quite a few stadiums, and they are not in the minority by speaking of the ruckus crowd of Autzen.
Always remember that in Nebraska, you might be a minority, but there are other athletic teams in Nebraska and the United States that you can support, don't be shy, stand up and be proud!