(07-08-2016 11:26 AM)Hokie Mark Wrote:  

(07-08-2016 11:11 AM)esayem Wrote:  What if one holds degrees from two different schools?

Um, you should stop going to school and get a job? ;-)

Why do folks seem to think that being an alum is the only legitimate reason to root for a team? It's not like I root for Law school or the English department... IDK

You inadvertently bring up a good point: why are there any regulations, as inconsequential as they may be, brought up by fans as to which teams other fans can root for?

*Geography is a big one. Might as well stop watching Euro soccer.

(07-08-2016 02:16 PM)esayem Wrote:  

(07-08-2016 11:26 AM)Hokie Mark Wrote:  

(07-08-2016 11:11 AM)esayem Wrote:  What if one holds degrees from two different schools?

Um, you should stop going to school and get a job? ;-)

Why do folks seem to think that being an alum is the only legitimate reason to root for a team? It's not like I root for Law school or the English department... IDK

You inadvertently bring up a good point: why are there any regulations, as inconsequential as they may be, brought up by fans as to which teams other fans can root for?

*Geography is a big one. Might as well stop watching Euro soccer.

No, I'm pretty sure I did it on purpose. Hopefully English was not one of the 2 degrees - if so, "the one" holding them may want to ask for a refund...

No, I think some of you are misunderstanding my point. You are free to root for whomever you choose for whatever reasons you choose. You can also root for one team, two teams, 10 teams or all 120 teams. I sincerely don't care at all about any of that.

I am just saying that as a guy with degrees from two different Division I schools, and who would like to see both of them do well, I am only invested in one program: Pitt.

We can talk all night long about Pitt's past, it's current depth chart, it's likely depth chart once the games begin, and their recruiting efforts. However, for the other one (Ohio), I have no idea who even plays for them?

And I have never contributed a single cent to that program.

Sometimes I check their score on a Saturday and most times I don't. Every once in a while they will show up on ESPN on a Wednesday night and I'll watch it and I'll root for them – unless something else that is even mildly interesting is on - in which case I will usually turn to that.

And during basketball season, I check on them probably once a month or so. Ohio plays in the MAC, so that may be part of it. However, I think I would feel the exact same way had I earned a degree at Ohio State, Wasington or South Carolina.

I vow to make it back to Athens – which is truly a gorgeous little college town that is only about 3 1/2 hours from my house – but I never actually go. And now that I have two little ones in the fold, I probably won't be breaking that streak anytime soon.

I am saying that in my opinion you can only really give your heart to one program. You can have a passing interest in other programs, but not true fandom. People can disagree with me and that's fine – but that is absolutely how I feel about that and I can't imagine that view ever changing.

(07-08-2016 02:47 PM)Hokie Mark Wrote:  

(07-08-2016 02:16 PM)esayem Wrote:  

(07-08-2016 11:26 AM)Hokie Mark Wrote:  

(07-08-2016 11:11 AM)esayem Wrote:  What if one holds degrees from two different schools?

Um, you should stop going to school and get a job? ;-)

Why do folks seem to think that being an alum is the only legitimate reason to root for a team? It's not like I root for Law school or the English department... IDK

You inadvertently bring up a good point: why are there any regulations, as inconsequential as they may be, brought up by fans as to which teams other fans can root for?

*Geography is a big one. Might as well stop watching Euro soccer.

No, I'm pretty sure I did it on purpose. Hopefully English was not one of the 2 degrees - if so, "the one" holding them may want to ask for a refund...

Watch out folks, Hokie Mark is on the offensive!

(07-08-2016 09:57 PM)Dr. Isaly von Yinzer Wrote:  No, I think some of you are misunderstanding my point. You are free to root for whomever you choose for whatever reasons you choose. You can also root for one team, two teams, 10 teams or all 120 teams. I sincerely don't care at all about any of that.

I am just saying that as a guy with degrees from two different Division I schools, and who would like to see both of them do well, I am only invested in one program: Pitt.

We can talk all night long about Pitt's past, it's current depth chart, it's likely depth chart once the games begin, and their recruiting efforts. However, for the other one (Ohio), I have no idea who even plays for them?

And I have never contributed a single cent to that program.

Sometimes I check their score on a Saturday and most times I don't. Every once in a while they will show up on ESPN on a Wednesday night and I'll watch it and I'll root for them – unless something else that is even mildly interesting is on - in which case I will usually turn to that.

And during basketball season, I check on them probably once a month or so. Ohio plays in the MAC, so that may be part of it. However, I think I would feel the exact same way had I earned a degree at Ohio State, Wasington or South Carolina.

I vow to make it back to Athens – which is truly a gorgeous little college town that is only about 3 1/2 hours from my house – but I never actually go. And now that I have two little ones in the fold, I probably won't be breaking that streak anytime soon.

I am saying that in my opinion you can only really give your heart to one program. You can have a passing interest in other programs, but not true fandom. People can disagree with me and that's fine – but that is absolutely how I feel about that and I can't imagine that view ever changing.

I suppose that's where we differ, I don't put my heart into a spectator sport. I suppose I'd rather have influence in the things I put my heart into.

(07-08-2016 10:08 PM)esayem Wrote:  

(07-08-2016 02:47 PM)Hokie Mark Wrote:  

(07-08-2016 02:16 PM)esayem Wrote:  

(07-08-2016 11:26 AM)Hokie Mark Wrote:  

(07-08-2016 11:11 AM)esayem Wrote:  What if one holds degrees from two different schools?

Um, you should stop going to school and get a job? ;-)

Why do folks seem to think that being an alum is the only legitimate reason to root for a team? It's not like I root for Law school or the English department... IDK

You inadvertently bring up a good point: why are there any regulations, as inconsequential as they may be, brought up by fans as to which teams other fans can root for?

*Geography is a big one. Might as well stop watching Euro soccer.

No, I'm pretty sure I did it on purpose. Hopefully English was not one of the 2 degrees - if so, "the one" holding them may want to ask for a refund...

Watch out folks, Hokie Mark is on the offensive!

Just messing with you, Esayem! The only thing offensive about me is the smell occasionally...

(07-08-2016 10:11 PM)esayem Wrote:  I suppose that's where we differ, I don't put my heart into a spectator sport. I suppose I'd rather have influence in the things I put my heart into.

Come on, dude, don't be so glib. That's one of the dumbest things I've ever read here. You understood exactly what I was saying - or at least you should have gotten it.

(07-09-2016 10:11 AM)Dr. Isaly von Yinzer Wrote:  

(07-08-2016 10:11 PM)esayem Wrote:  I suppose that's where we differ, I don't put my heart into a spectator sport. I suppose I'd rather have influence in the things I put my heart into.

Come on, dude, don't be so glib. That's one of the dumbest things I've ever read here. You understood exactly what I was saying - or at least you should have gotten it.

I think you have been melodramatic from the onset of this discussion. You basically entered this thread bragging about how you don't understand fans not loving their teams as much as you.

The topic of fandom is obviously a touchy subject, and trying to quantify it is impossible.

Who is the biggest fan:

The millionaire that spends a ton of money on naming rights to an arena, and only attends games for a photo op? He obviously donates more than most fans.

The tailgate king who attends every game, but never goes in and actually watches the team? Sort of a social oriented fan, although he/she is dedicated every week.

The diehard that watches every game, can tell you every players' birthplace and high school, and is affected emotionally for days after each loss? They may not be able to afford going to every game, but you better believe their basement or den is decked out in memorabilia.

Most people are a combination of these extremes. I follow multiple programs, mainly because I like sports as a form of entertainment. I can watch a game and not care one way or another who wins. I'll always root for UNC, but I'm not heartbroken for days if they lose.

Yeah, I guess. Maybe the problem is with me?

I guess I just have no patience for disingenuousness. I understand that in the South disingenuousness is considered politeness. I look at it in a different, more honest light and I don't care for it.

Brother, it is July 9 and you are posting on a college football messageboard while pontificating that you only give your heart to things you can control. I mean, really. Who the hell do you think you're kidding here?

We are definitely coming at this from different perspectives. There's no argument there. I suspect that the primary difference between guys like you and me is that one of us realizes that he's a fool for college football and the other one likes to pretend otherwise.

That's fine, do as you please. However, I know what's up and so does everyone else who has read this thread and has a functioning brain.

Ah, insult me and anyone who disagrees with you. Good plan!

(07-10-2016 08:03 AM)Wilkie01 Wrote:  

Yeah, like that will work!

I respect the Doc as a poster, we can agree to disagree.

I grew up pulling for the Wolfpack. I graduated from Appalachian State. I attended and my daughter is currently attending East Carolina. All my money goes to Greenville. Therefore my strongest loyalty at this point in my life is East Carolina. But I pull for all three schools. When it comes to college basketball of course NC State is plays at a different level than the other two so I pay a lot more attention to them during the winter.

(07-08-2016 11:26 AM)Hokie Mark Wrote:  

(07-08-2016 11:11 AM)esayem Wrote:  What if one holds degrees from two different schools?

Um, you should stop going to school and get a job? ;-)

Why do folks seem to think that being an alum is the only legitimate reason to root for a team? It's not like I root for Law school or the English department... IDK

I root hard for Duke Hospital, not at all for Duke basketball. They saved my wife's life about half a dozen times about two years ago and are keeping her going now.

(07-15-2016 12:19 AM)dawgitall Wrote:  

(07-08-2016 11:26 AM)Hokie Mark Wrote:  

(07-08-2016 11:11 AM)esayem Wrote:  What if one holds degrees from two different schools?

Um, you should stop going to school and get a job? ;-)

Why do folks seem to think that being an alum is the only legitimate reason to root for a team? It's not like I root for Law school or the English department... IDK

I root hard for Duke Hospital, not at all for Duke basketball. They saved my wife's life about half a dozen times about two years ago and are keeping her going now.

I respect that. Lot's of people have been helped by Duke hospital. Glad to hear they were able to help your wife, too!