changed my life

Fall 2003 was the date; the Miami Orange Bowl was the place. The city of Miami had converged all at one time, in one place to watch a football game. It was against the Florida Gators and the city was abuzz with “GO CANES” signs and Miami jerseys. I was there too, experiencing something that I didn’t know, but something that would change my life forever.
My dad (who played for the Hurricanes from 1983-1987) and I walked into the colossal stadium. As we reached an opening to get to our seats I saw the field for the first time. It was beautiful, and it caught me off guard. Game time inched closer; and as the crowd was waiting impatiently a Florida Gator fan sat next to us and let’s just says he wasn’t the quiet type. As he reached his seat he gave us a look of “I think I’m better than you and I’m going to tell you I am.” Eventually, game time came and the crowd was pumped and ready to see their 3rd ranked Canes (picked to win by 2 touchdowns) stomp the Gators. The Canes got off to a strong start and were up 10-3; unfortunately that’s where the momentum stopped. The Gators scored 30 straight and the air that had been present early in the game was all but gone. My dad and I looked at each other disappointed. The Gator fan however was letting us have it. What happened over the next few moments was the beginning of my life changing experience. The Canes scored two touchdowns in under 4 minutes and we had a ball game: Florida 33 Miami 25. The Gator fan next to us was suddenly hushed. The crowd was in even more of a frenzy than before. I began to realize something, but just didn’t know what. The Canes defense held the Gators scoreless for the rest of the game and Miami pulled out an improbable 38-33 comeback victory. It was one of the greatest games in Miami Hurricane history; and for me it was just my first football game. It would not be my last. Before the game I didn’t know what sports where. Mom, what is football? I was into Transformers, Bionicles, Diggers,