I graduated from BYU in 2004. Although, I’m fairly happy I went there, I definitely don’t bleed blue. After living in Utah for over 15 years, last night was the first time I attended the Big Game—the state’s Holy War between BYU and the University of Utah. But rather than going to support the school of my Alma Mater, I defected to Utah.
And as I sat in that stadium, looking across the bobbing heads of red sprinkled with dark spots of navy blue, I remembered why I was so apathetic towards BYU athletics—I hate the school’s color.
Many moons ago I started my first year as a freshman at BYU, which was also the first year the school changed their colors from royal blue to navy—and I could not have been more disappointed.
For years I had been watching student fans dress up in bright blue wigs, face paint, and paw prints, and I was eager to join them. But when it was my turn I had to settle for almost-black navy blue—a boring, lifeless color I could get 24/7 at any Gap or Banana Republic. The color was meant for prep school blazers and sailor suits, not school spirit. There was no search and no pride in finding that unique royal blue piece of clothing—that piece that showed you went to great lengths to show your fanship.
I heard the change was because the school wanted to sell more apparel. But once they darkened that bright, spirited color of royal blue the dull, I-look-like-I’m-depressed navy, part of the my school spirit darkened with it. I have been a lukewarm fan ever since.
I must admit, wearing that red hat was an uncomfortable experience; and I felt guilty, out of place, and unnatural. I didn’t know these people around me; I was used to being around cougars. I was constantly looking over my shoulder in case someone who knew my school history would see me, shaking his/her head in shame. But wearing that bright, vibrant color reminded me what it felt like the first time I went skinny dipping—so right and so wrong—yet utterly refreshing and invigorating.
So last night as I sat in that roaring stadium, I started a new life—a life as a Ute fan. And I’m sure I won’t have a problem getting used to it.
**So Jenny is sorry to lose potential suitors due to her new college association. But the fact she made it through BYU without getting married shows she wasn’t really BYU material in the first place.
12 Responses to “Now a Utah Fan Am I”
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November 23rd, 2008 at 11:01 pm
Try to spin it how you like, you are a sellout. You have no spine, and want nothing more out of life than to fit in to a crowd, no matter the cost. If you were a guy I’d tell you to grow a pair.
November 23rd, 2008 at 11:26 pm
It’s not even an hour after I’ve posted and the vitriolic comments are starting to come in. Don’t be jackass fan.
November 24th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
You should be banned from attending sports games. The first poster is right, you’re a sellout. 100% pure bandwagoner. I’ll bet you own a few Red Sox hats. Oh wait, I guess you threw those away and now own a few Phillies hats.
November 24th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
Philles? What? I have no idea what you’re talking about.
November 25th, 2008 at 11:22 am
I rest my case. Any knowledgeable sports fan would know what I’m talking about, and any “real” sports fan would understand that you don’t jump on ANY bandwagon, ESPECIALLY not your rival’s. It’s inconceivable for someone to do what you did. I didn’t think it could happen, but I guess I stand corrected.
November 25th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
God what jerks. Its just sports. You’re still cool jenny!
November 25th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
I graduated BYU and I agree that the “new” dark blue sucks. You look good in red. (And you had a lot more fun rooting for Utah). 24 to 48? Go Utah!
November 26th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Skinny dipping…what? Changing school’s. I better look outside and make sure the sky isn’t falling. My goodness!
November 27th, 2008 at 12:52 am
Not that I think Jenny needs anyone sticking up for her so maybe this is more for us real men than it is for Jenny
Dudes are you serious? Oh wait you’re duders….of course you’re serious!
“Grow a pair”? Are you taking this loss that bad? Did you lose your masculinity Saturday night? Let me guess, you and your big balls are going to prove your loyalty for the Y by toughing out the next year knowing that not only did you lose to the U but they are going to another BCS bowl game while the Y never has. I think your “pair” is getting in the way of your judgment. Be a real man and keep your blue “pair” in your pants.
“Sellout”? Don’t you have to be sold INto something before you sellOUT of something. Doesn’t sound like she cared that much for the Y football team in the first place. Sounds like she liked the colors more than who wears number 9. I’m just guessing but it doesn’t sound like she ever owned a navy blue hat with a Y on it. Be a real man and “sell out” of the bull crap your trying to lay down.
“Fit in to a crowd”? I don’t understand…..aren’t there two crowds in this lame discussion. Is there not a Ute crowd and that crowd that shaves their chest and paints it blue? Seems like she is going to a football game to enjoy life; and you are living and in this case dying by BYU football. What are you trying to get out of life? Be a real man and not try to insult someone that doesn’t want to “fit in to” your “crowd”.
“I rest my case”? What case did you have? All I can tell is that you are a jackass Y fan and someone who happens to caught the World Serious every other year. All she said was that she went to the U football game, likes the color red more than navy blue, and felt the sweet spirit of righteousness with the Running Utes. Being a fan of a specific color or team has nothing to do with being a true fan of sports. Where and when did you combine these totally different ideas together? Be a real man and “rest” before you speak, just in ”case” you are reacting emotionally instead of rationally.
“spin it anyway you want”…. but you are a sore loser that still has blue body paint in your ass crack. When you decide to take a shower to clean out that paint, do us real men a favor and don’t forget to pull your head out at the same time.
November 27th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Okay…I’ll admit that I’m partially responsible for Jenny’s defection from BYU to the Ute side of life. Part of my logic for taking sides in the “Holy War” is based upon the following:
1. BYU isn’t going to the BCS, win or lose.
2. Better for the Mtn West Conference, and BYU, that Utah does well and gets ranked as high as possible. Increases BCS success for BYU in future if undefeated.
In addition, we were at the game on tickets given to us by the Utah football program. I’m not going on their ticket and then root for their opposition. We’re a true “sports family,” but we’re definitely not fanatics.
November 30th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
[...] how people have their quirks and hangups about pop culture, fashion fads, sports teams (see post Now a Utah Fan Am I and read the comments) and even politics. “Oh no. You’re wearing [...]
July 9th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
Well…I am super happy you finally found the light.