‘Tis the season everyone! Yes, I am aware that Christmas just passed. As any devoted Georgetown fan would know, I’m talking about Hoya basketball season!
Let me preface this post by saying that I have never been a huge sports fan. In fact, I have never been a sports person period. Of course that’s not to say that I never tried. I started off with a halfway decent elementary school soccer career, until a traumatizing goalie incident. For many years I managed to stay afloat on the swim team and warmed the bench during basketball games. I even had a dismal two-year run with volleyball. Turns out I was more cut out for dance.
Suffice to say that my utter lack of athletic talent has failed to foster a love of sports in me. I know this might sound blasphemous post Super Bowl craze, but it’s true. The only remotely appealing thing I find about baseball season is watching heartthrob Derek Jeter.
With that apathetic attitude towards sports, I came to Georgetown with the expectation that I would have fun attending a few basketball games, but would never be that invested in it. Boy was I wrong.
The Hoyas basketball epidemic is contagious to say the least. Georgetown has successfully brought out my inner sports fanatic and competitive nature. Maybe it’s the festive face paint or the spirited cheers, but I’m now a devoted fan. I believe I have a Hoya obligation to go and support my boys!
I’ve come to discover that there’s nothing quite like the adrenaline rush you get when your team comes back from a 17 point deficit in the second half or your favorite player breaks a tied game in the last 2 seconds with flawless foul shots. The victorious satisfaction when Sims goes in for a dunk is unparalleled. There’s a swelling pride knowing that, that’s your team, your school. And who could resist the adorable Jack the Bulldog when he comes running out on the court to tear up that box?
Since coming to Georgetown I’ve also learned that seeing a basketball player in Leos is like a major celebrity siting complete with prolonged stares, hushed giggles, and not-so-discrete pointing. I’m sure I’m only one of many who have developed a crush on the freshman all-star Otto Porter. If you’re unfamiliar with the players, you’re simply missing out on the excitement!
For those unfamiliar with the basketball routine here are some words of wisdom to follow.
- When a Hoya shoots the ball, raise both of your hands in the air. If the shot goes in drop your arms with an emphatic “Woosh!” Note that contrary to my initial belief the exclamation is not “Woof!” though in my defense our mascot IS a bulldog….
- In a chant of “Hoya Saxa” or “We are Georgetown!”, determine which side you are on, pump your fist, and exclaim loud and proud! Don’t be the person who ruins the rhythm of the cheer by screaming the wrong word – quite the mood killer.
- Smile! You never know when that camera could pan around and get you on the Jumbotron – or better, ESPN! I myself made my TV debut during a basketball game.
- Before the game starts and the entire student body turns around to face away from the court, don’t panic. They’re not all staring you down; it’s simply a tradition.
- As the shot clock ticks down for the opposing team, bounce up and down while calling a distracting “Ooohhhh!” Remember to pause to breathe. 30 seconds is a long time to carry out a breath, especially if you’re already lightheaded from the excitement. Also, when your calves start to burn, KEEP bouncing! It’s the perfect alternative to a workout later.
- If you find yourself mouthing gibberish during the blurry middle of the fight song, pick it back up on the “HOYA, HOYA SAXA!” No one will suspect a thing.
- If all else fails, follow the people in front of you.
Still not convinced that basketball is your thing? Well in the words of my favorite Disney Channel hoopster Troy Bolton, “Get’cha head in the game!” If that inspirational quote isn’t sufficient here is the video of the classic High School Musical number: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzDWMvVg_ew&feature=related.
Unfortunately I can’t promise any spontaneous musical performances by Henry Sims and Hollis Thompson featuring Jack the Bulldog. (But how AMAZING would that be?!)
Until that dream becomes a reality, load up on all your favorite Georgetown paraphernalia and head to the Verizon Center to support our dear old Blue and Gray!
XOXO,
Hoya Saxa
Georgetown Freshman Survival Tip # 3: Buy season tickets! Maybe you won’t make it to all of the games, but it’s definitely a worthwhile investment. Plus you get the shirt for free!