Every time I meet somebody, inevitably their first remark is, “You should be a Georgia soccer fan.”
Actually, I might reply: I really like seeing all of the groups doing nicely and have fun after they win the nationwide championship. ”
This column strives to keep away from controversy. Life is sufficient with out me including. However I am a Southerner. I’m the primary feminine sports activities reporter to cowl her SEC soccer full time. It was all male till I began protecting the Georgia Bulldogs at her younger age of 21, at house, on the highway, and at practices on Tuesdays (adopted by a press convention). Sometimes one other lady appeared.
I used to be common. I lined the historic Texas-Georgia sport at Cotton’s Bowl in Dallas (Georgia beat the No. performed an upset). I used to be the one feminine within the press field. Or in my case “lady”. Through the season I lined Georgia, I solely noticed one other lady within the press field as soon as, and it was Georgia Tech’s Georgia, and he or she had an fascinating story framed within the sidebar (video games) beside her story. ) was there to write down.
I clarify that that is to offer a bit extra authority to what I’ve to say now. This was both as a result of they performed at Sanford Stadium or as a result of they weren’t on the schedule.
That is additionally what I’ve to say. I am an old-fashioned SEC fanatic. I am not rooting for a brand new crew west of Arkansas. Over the previous 15 or 20 years, the SEC has achieved what was as soon as thought unattainable. Conferences with USC, Texas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma, Ohio and Michigan dominated for a really very long time, however the SEC stored a low profile. It then soared at speeds similar to the F-16.
Right this moment’s success is rooted within the best head coach of all time working a university soccer program. , additionally framed an image of me with him and one other with Dooley), Johnny Vought of Ole Miss, Robert Neyland of Tennessee and Steve Spuria of Florida.
For this reason mountains rise inside me after I declare that I “belong” with the SEC acceptance crew in West Arkansas. These rivalries between SEC groups are lengthy and critical. The rivalry between Alabama and Auburn is so full of fireside and emotion that it impressed the amusing and eye-opening ebook Conflict in Dixie: Alabama vs. Auburn. Half the ebook is the Alabama facet of the story and the remainder is the Auburn facet of the story. One facet of the ebook is Alabama and the opposite facet is Auburn. It’s written by two northern reporters who had by no means seen such a rivalry till they got here down south to cowl the sport.
The Georgia-Auburn rivalry is the oldest in school soccer historical past, spanning 100 years.
It annoys me that outsiders are available in as a result of SEC TV makes a lot cash and so they wish to play in one of the best conferences. The core crew he spent 100 years growing and constructing a rivalry. I do not want new “mates”.
However that is not what I imply. I’m saddened by the unkindness and downright meanness that SEC followers might be with one another.
I learn some very imply feedback about Tennessee from followers in Alabama. My coronary heart sank when she came upon that the girl was the much-loved pastor’s mom.
Tennessee is named the Volunteer State as a result of it despatched extra volunteers than another state in all of America’s wars. That alone deserves reward.
Please. Let’s have fun our comrades. I do not communicate sick of you. Particularly at school soccer video games. Together with outsiders, um, newcomers.
Rhonda Wealthy is the bestselling creator of What Southern Girls Know (What Each Girl Ought to Do).
Ronda Wealthy is the best-selling creator of There’s A Higher Day A-Comin’. To enroll in her weekly e-newsletter, go to www.rondarich.com.