The life of a Minnesota sports fan is typically disappointing and underwhelming. My parents grew up in Minnesota and we moved back when I was four, so it was only inevitable that my sister and I would be Minnesota sports fans as well.
There seems to be a curse across pretty much all sports teams, whether they are professional or college. The following is a process that has been repeated over and over again.
Phase 1: A Minnesota sports team gets your hopes up that they may win the game.
Phase 2: The team loses.
Phase 3: Fans’ hopes and dreams are shattered.
Phase 4: The process is repeated for decades.
When my dad, sister and I were walking from our car to Huntington Bank Stadium this past Saturday I had hope that Minnesota would pull out a win during this rivalry game.
We were about to watch one of the biggest college football rivalries unfold. It was the fight for Paul Bunyan’s Axe. Facing off was the nationally ranked Wisconsin Badgers vs. the Minnesota Gophers. The atmosphere in the packed stadium was electric. Over fifty thousand people were ready to witness the border battle. The game was hype and Minnesota especially dominated the second half.
With about three minutes left in the game, we noticed that the student section was moving toward the field. People from the upper decks were rushing down the stairs and beginning to crowd around the stairs that lead down to the field. People in our section began doing the same. It was almost time to storm the field.
Once the clock hit zero, the Minnesota fans rushed out onto the field in complete and total elation. The Gophers won 23-13 and the celebration had begun. My dad, sister and I ascended down the stairs near our row, ran out onto the field and congratulated players. There was a huge circle of people around the axe. Music blared as the giant axe was carried through the crowd; the victory prize was ours.
Then, we heard the announcer’s voice over the stadium’s PA system. The announcer said, “Ladies and gentlemen. Can I have your attention?” Next was a moment that will be remembered for years to come. “Jump Around” by House of Pain played and everyone went crazy. We were trolling Wisconsin. The tradition at Camp Randall, which is Wisconsin’s football stadium, is to literally jump to that song to get hype for the final quarter of the game.
I’m not a petty or passive-aggressive person, but this was the ultimate troll and I had to appreciate it. I had the best time at the game and I’m thankful to have witnessed the legendary rivalry in-person. For once, a Minnesota sports team did not let me down.
Written by Lauren Cina
Lauren Cina Photography & Writing 