Last week's home opener against the Western Mustangs was a huge victory not only for the Gee-Gees football program, but also for the fans. Over 6,000 people took in the Labour Day matchup and were treated to a great game, not to mention an even greater finish. With only 29 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, fourth-year quarterback Brad Sinopoli, Peterborough, Ont., connected with fourth-year receiver Steven Hughes, Ottawa, Ont., on a 29-yard pass for the winning touchdown. The home crowd at Frank Clair Stadium erupted into an absolute frenzy as they just witnessed an improbable come-from-behind victory over the mighty Mustangs.
However, the game was not over just yet. In the 29 seconds that remained, and the score at 20-19, the garnet and grey would have to put forth their best defensive effort of the match to stop Western from coming within field goal range. The crowd's defining chants of "Defense! Defense! Defense!" spilled onto the field, and roused up the Gee-Gees defensive team who responded with their arms in the air encouraging the crowd to get louder and louder. It was amazing to see such support and interaction between the home crowd and the team. Surely the crowd's enthusiasm did not go unnoticed.
"We actually had some feedback from Western saying that the crowd was a big part of the game. That's huge for us," said head coach Jean-Philippe Asselin. The coach then went on to say "It's a big stadium (...) and when there are over 6,000 people you start to feel an atmosphere. It was great."
Indeed a big part in creating that atmosphere, were the thousands of 101'ers who braved the cool September weather to take in their first Gee-Gees football experience. For many, when asked about the game, it was their first time ever attending a live football game, and most admitted to not being the biggest of football fans. Yet, the excitement was contagious. To share in the thrill of such a victory with thousands of others makes it difficult for anyone not to become a fan regardless of their sport preference.
First-year nursing student Britney Allard described the atmosphere as "amazing", and went on to say that she will definitely be going to the next game; "and I've convinced all my friends to come with me," she laughed.
"It was a lot of fun, and a great way to meet new people," admitted first-year biology student Matt Gerolani. Similarly, first-year biology Andrea McDonald was quick to say "it's a great way to break out of your shell, and have some fun. I will definitely go watch another home game for sure."
Fun and excitement were a recurring theme when asking 101'ers to describe their experience. It is safe to say that such a game goes a long way in building a solid foundation for school spirit, and a sense of belonging to campus life. Supporting varsity sports is an integral part of the university experience, for both the fans and athletes alike.
When asked how much it means for the team to have that kind of moral support from the crowd, fifth-year defensive back Chayce Elliott, Burnaby, B.C., explained "[The crowd] knowing when to get loud when their offence was on the field and cheer for us when we did something good (...) It's definitely a big, big plus when you have that fan support, and if we can get that at every home game, that would be sweet."
"As a team we have huge expectations, and our expectations should walk hand in hand with our fans expectations," said Elliott in response to first-year human kinetics student Julien Demers comment that he would keep watching "as long as they keep winning." Clearly the players understand what is at stake with every game, and do not take their fan support for granted.
The Gee-Gees will host the McMaster Marauders (2-1 OUA) on Saturday, September 18 for their next home game at Frank Clair Stadium. This will surely be a match not to miss as the Gee-Gees will be vying for the top spot in the OUA standings.
Season tickets can be purchased online at www.geegees.ca. Individual tickets can be purchased in person at the Gee-Gees box office located at the Client Services counter of the uOttawa Sports Complex, or at the door one hour before the game.
Adult $12
Non uOttawa student/Senior $8
uOttawa Student/Alumni/Staff $6
Child (5-12) $4
Under 5 Free
