Sept. 16, 1995 I married FSU Football and never looked back.

My first Florida State Football Game: Sept. 16,1995 FSU v. N.C. State. FSU won 77- 17.  

I had just transferred from the University at Buffalo to Florida State University. Starting my Junior year of College and attending my first major college football game. I had bought the game day tee shirt at Bill’s Bookstore, my roomie and hallmates were ready to go and it was 95 degrees outside, no wind and 100% humidity. I thought “this is football season?”. From a born and raised upstate NY girl this whole football in shorts and dying of heat things was an oddity.

I had always been a fan of Football. When I was in Buffalo, the Bills were on their “let’s go to the Super Bowl and lose every game streak.”  I knew the game, I asked questions from my male friends. I wasn’t going to watch football for the social aspect. I was watching for pancakes, interceptions and that beautiful connection that is made when the QB and the WR are spot on with each other! I was watching for the sport of it, the competition. It helped however, that at that time FSU was pretty much laying a beat down on everyone.

I remember walking into Doak and the people, OMG the people. I had never seen this many people in one spot before. Tailgating, cheering, laughter, it was contagious. As we got to our section of the seats I can vividly remember walking in that hallway and having the field presented right before me. This stadium half filled, and my heart at that moment fell in love. I can close my eyes and picture this game, the fans, the heat, the beat down we laid on N.C. State. What was not to love I was attending one of the top ranked colleges in football and the excitement was overwhelming.  And before me was legendary Coach Bobby Bowden! I fell and I fell hard. Right there I pledged my undying love to those Seminoles of Florida State.

Between 1997-1999 I worked for the Athletic Dept at FSU as a tutor & mentor for the football team. I learned a lot from those boys. A lot about what they go through as student athletes and a lot about the game. This was invaluable experience. I also got a signed football from our National Championship team out of it as well. But that was a bonus for my time spent with Coles, the Rooster, Montrae Holland and many others (and Coach Lilly, what a crush I had on him.)

As the 1990′s came to a close, the 1999 National Championship trophy securely in hand, my beloved Noles, started their slow descend to the “middle class” ranks of college football. I remained a loyal fan, even having season tickets from 2000-2002. I would travel from Ft. Lauderdale to Tallahassee to see my Noles, win or lose.

2002-2006 – was a dark time for my Seminoles, but I didn’t miss a game. I was a devoted fan no matter what. I shed a lot of tears during these years and said a lot of words my grandmother shouldn’t hear fall out of my mouth. Nonetheless I was devoted. 

 In 2007 I moved back to Tallahassee and was asked to join the Extra Point Club. An all women’s club founded in the 70′s by Ann Bowden. Ever wonder who paints those spears around Doak Campbell on the side walks? Well, EPC does. We do lots of things, but that is for another post, another time. EPC got me once again involved with FSU Football on a personal level. For Fan Day 2008 I was with the Running Backs and Dexter Carter. Dexter Carter!! The best 3 hours of my life in 2008. I was also granted one of few opportunities bestowed upon a Nole by having my picture taken with Renegade & Osceola on the Field of the Homecoming game in 2008. Currently that picture sits on my mantel with Bobby Bowdens signature proudly displayed on it.

2008 I moved to the hated land of the UF Gators. I continued to wear my Garnet and Gold as much as possible even in enemy territory. My love has never wavered. I have lived the last two years hearing from Gator Fans about the demise of Bobby Bowden’s coaching career and the lack of drive our Seminole Football team seemed to show. Regardless, I wouldn’t miss a game and speak proudly of my Seminoles every Monday morning over coffee.

2010 Welcome Jimbo Fisher and team! How excited I was this spring hearing about all the changes happening with the team. I felt good about this upcoming season. Might this be a road back to the top? I hoped it was. Fan Day 2010, I was with Coach Coley, the Offensive linemen and the Tightends. The crowd was crazy. Fans everywhere waiting for Christian Ponder to sign anything and everything. So much positive vibes came from Fan Day. The players, Coaches, Fans this was a rocking  place with high hopes of success.

Sept 4, 2010 my first game at FSU without Bobby Bowden in my sights. How would I feel sitting in those stands? Well….The Marching Chiefs walked on that field. The fight song played. The War Chant. The Tomahawk Chop.  Osceola planting that spear. By the time kick off happened I was crying. The new boyfriend asked my long time friend Mike why I was crying.  Mike replied, “Dude, don’t you know Stef bleeds garnet and gold. She is married to this school and this team for life. Her real marriage to a man will actually be her second marriage. She’s crying because she see’s the FSU of old.” The boyfriend hugged me. I stood up and yelled for my team and for 3 hours this past Saturday I was filled with more pride than ever for my beloved Noles. Success is in sight and I’m going to be there every step of the way.

Sept. 16, 1995 I married FSU Football.  Sept. 4, 2010 I renewed my vows.

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