In response to Greg Rivara’s column and David Lance’s letter which both appeared in Wednesday’s The Northern Star, I would like to offer my observations.

I was one of the 6,631 people who did attend the football game against Arkansas State last Saturday.

I was excited to attend my first NIU football game as a graduate student—especially after hearing and reading about Stacey Robinson’s spectacular performance against Fresno State.

It was a perfect fall football afternoon. Yet, as I arrived at Huskie Stadium (sporting my cardinal sweater) just minutes before kick-off, I was shocked by how empty the stadium was.

I enjoyed the game, but I kept wondering “Where are the rest of Northern’s fans?”

I could not believe that not more students, who only need to show a current NIU identification card, did not attend the game. What really struck me was the lack of school spirit.

In fact, my enthusiasm, which had been sparked earlier in the week, failed to ignite. Where was the crowd sporting their cardinal and black? Where was the mighty Huskie Howl?

Perhaps part of my disappointment stems from having attended Homecoming the previous year at my alma mater (Iowa State University).

Like last Saturday, I arrived at Jack Trice Field just minutes before kickoff. However any similiarity ends there.

At ISU, I found myself in the midst of thousands of eager Cyclone fans who were all sporting their cardinal and gold and anxious to get their $16 seats.

As I glanced in the distance I saw a roaring stadium filled with loyal fans. Everyone—alumni, visitors, Greeks, blacks, GDIs, faculty, staff and community members—were there to support their team and school.

The band was playing, the cheerleaders were cheering, the players were practicing, and the fans were participating as the pre-game clock wounded down. Go…Cyclones! School spirit, I can still feel it now.

I wanted to share this contrasting scenario with my fellow students as an example of what it is like to attend a college football game where school spirit is the kind of thing memories are made of.

And like other things in life, you only get back what you give. My spark of enthusiasm for NIU is still alive, but I sure could use some good old school spirit to fire me up! Will you help me? Go…Huskies!!

Lesley A. Nolin

Instructional Technology

Graduate Student