The Collegian

Issue date: 10/25/07 Section: Opinion

Media Credit: Leah Wild

It takes an exceptional football team to win over an apathetic audience.

But this year's squad has the stamina to leave everyone including the sport-illiterate enraptured by a 30-yard rush, the courage of a quarterback on the 10-yard line, or a last-second field goal.

Last week, the Chargers defeated Mercyhurst University 42-33. Before that, they conquered Wayne State. Next, they face Tiffin University Saturday at 2:30 in the Frank "Muddy Waters" Stadium.

This weekend's game is important because it will affect the Charger's overall standings.

For the sport-ignorant, that means a victory takes the Charger team one step closer to the playoffs.

Coach Keith Otterbein pled with his team this week to stay focused. Perhaps he should speak to the entire student body, and plead with them to cheer the Chargers to victory.

The fact is, the team has broken several records this year and has guaranteed its first winning season since 1999. But if it wins one more game, say, one against Tiffin, it will put them one step closer to the playoffs.

To be sure, this year's team merits our attention, and there's no better time to begin supporting the Chargers.

They're already distinguishing themselves from all others in their league. It's a glory eight years overdue, one that can be appreciated by any afficionado.

This past week team co-captain Tom Korte, a junior, was named GLIAC Defensive Player of the Week. His fellow captain, quarterback Mark Nicolet, a senior, is having the season of his life. He's not only breaking records but is one of 16 Division II semifinalists for the Draddy Award, a postseason award honoring football players who
excel in their studies and on the field.

Such players compose wins worth watching from the stands.

There's a certain splendor to a football game in the crisp air of late October. The fans should pack the stands with students in Hillsdale hoodies and fill the Pit Posse with painted chests.

Last year the Charger faced Tiffin and lost. Now, it's their chance to shine.

But perhaps this year, the MVP of the team should be the fan in the stand. So far, the team has faced grueling football battle without some of the student body. Picture a Remember-the-Titans audience screaming their adoration as the team bravely confronts Tiffin.

Now, indulge your minds. Imagine our good ol' home team strapping on their shoulder pads in the locker room, tipping their chins back to guzzle Gatorade, squaring their stance, knotting the laces of their cleats and preparing to face an opponent that has vanquished them in the past.

Our boys face Tiffin with a history of disparagement. In the past, some colleges have critiqued the team for being overwhelmed every year in the Division II.

Instead, we should praise our team for daring to face an intimidating incumbent.

This year's players have cleared the field and encouraged our school. They make us believe we, the audacious team daring to face the big guys, can make our mark in Division II.

Now, as students, let's believe the initiative of their boldness and pack the bleachers with our hand-painted signs and smiles. Let's give them the applause and hollering they deserve.

Let's surrender our reservations about sports, our guilt that we really should be studying this weekend, and make Hillsdale history.

When the scoreboard attests to their spunk, let's give them a roar worthy of their efforts.

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