http://turnaroundu.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/donewiththeu/
I’M ALUMNI. I’M FAN. I’M DONE
It was January 2, 1984. That was the first time I saw that beautiful, simple, yet powerful symbol. That orange and green U stamped on those white helmets that reflected the lights of the Orange Bowl like a beam of glory. As Calhoun tipped that pass and the subtle roar shook the drywall across our living room, neighbors all around the building cheered. That little private school had just become a National Champion.
That was the first football game I ever saw. I was a toddler then, but remember it like it was yesterday. As I grew up, I remember looking forward to those days when I would see those bright orange jerseys stain those of opponents, as Miami swept seasons, killed dreams in Tallahassee, and made Catholics cry. It was fun. It was predictable. Miami would win, or come **** close to it.
I decided to attend the University of Miami. Yes, there was NYU, and yes, there was Boston. But, as I remembered those days in the Fall and Winter, I needed to be in that hot student section, and needed to be in Mahoney dorm room or at the Ratt. I needed to be part of that history. I would be a Miami Hurricane for life, even if I didn’t share that field with those badasses. I, however, still felt like part of that family. I was a Cane.
I have been part of the University of Miami for the better part of my adult life.
I have donated over $100,000 over the years, and have bought countless shirts, hats, jerseys, shoes, shorts, socks, and even that ugly orange and green wind breaker worn by Dennis Erickson. I even have an original Jim Kelly #12 Jersey that I still wear proudly on game day. #Kellystrong.
Now, in 2015, I really don’t know where my school went. I feel like a guy who has grown apart from the love of his life. My school and I have grown apart. Like a failed relationship, for the last 13 years I have tried everything in my power to bring things back to the good old days by speaking up, by complaining, by forgiving, by waiting for next year, and by, well, hoping things get better.
I have flashbacks of those days like that guy who remembers those romantic picnics with the girl that is now loving someone else. When I look at my school, it feels as if I’m no longer looking at my U. Take away those uniforms, the awesome student athletes who still believe, and our symbol, and it feels as if I’m looking at a different school. The U is now about basketball.. badmington…, and a Football program that is not coached to win the big ones.
Like that guy who has grown apart from the love of his life, I feel like I have no choice but to move on. I can’t keep thinking that things will be ok next year. I can no longer spend my hard earned time and money trying to force my school to give me what I need to stay loyal. I can’t get angry with the fact that I can’t have what I once had, and have no power to change her. She’s going a different direction, and so must I. Therefore, I now pledge:
I’m done being angry at Golden, Blake, Shalala, or whoever else is responsible for the decisions
I’m done commenting on Facebook posts from the ridiculous marketing department that calls the U “renewed” after a losing season
I’m done trying to justify to others that I am a “true fan”, just because I don’t support mediocrity
I’m done looking at rivals to see another recruit going to FSU, Florida, or Louisville
I’m done buying apparel, especially from Adidas
I’m done donating and supporting my program
I’m done caring. Period
As a fan and alumnus, I will always love and cherish those days where we were a family. However, now it’s time for the people in charge to do their job and come back to me. If they go a different direction, I wish them well with their new fans.
If the people in charge decide to come back, if they show us they want to win again, I will be waiting in the shadows ready to dust off my apparel, to cheer once again, and to support the program with my wallet. I will be here, ready to embrace my U.
Until then, I’m done.
I am done and not buying into anything they say, I am with DUH U I want to help them Destroy it........#GIVETHEMWHATTHEYWANT....... WATCH AFTER NSD WHEN THEY ALL FLOP LIKE FISH OUT OF WATER I CANT WAIT
