They're the team whose existence is sweeping the nation. Known for their "Cinderella Run" in this year's NCAA March Madness tournament lead by Thomas Walkup, the Lumberjacks from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas (Nac-o-doe-chess) have been making headlines for their incredible games against both Notre Dame and West Virginia.
Since I'm a BIN (Born-In-Nac), I've grown up cheering on the Lumberjacks. However, I now attend a teeny-tiny little college in Northwest Arkansas and have come to realize that there are 6 things about Lumberjack sporting events that make me proud to cheer on this team.
1. If there's a big SFA game during the weekend, you can bet it'll be mentioned in church Sunday morning.
Miss the game on Saturday? Never fear. I can almost promise that the sermon will start Sunday with some sort of introduction about the big game.
2. One of the best things about SFA football games is bringing an old pizza box to slide down the back, grassy side of the stadium after games.
Everyone knows that the fun doesn't end when the game does. After football games, especially after it rains, you can find locals sliding down the grassy slope at the back of the stadium. If you haven't done it, it's something that should be added to your Nac-bucket list!
3. Purple Haze makes SFA games, SFA games.
You know the game is getting heated when the student spirit organization (known to locals as Purple Haze) starts the infamous SFA chants or begins to jingle their keys. SFA games just wouldn't be the same without the presence of Purple Haze.
4. Home games (especially football and basketball) means that everyone in town is gathered either at Homer Bryce Stadium, William R. Johnson Coliseum, or Fuzzy's Tacos to catch the game.
Everyone loves the Lumberjacks. I grew up attending many games as a child, and always knew that the SFA games were where I knew I would see my friends. Many of my favorite memories are playing at the top of the coliseum or running around the stadium with my friends while our parents watched the games.
5. It's not a game without the SFA Lumberjack Marching Band.
This band is so good, that they've performed not only at sporting events, but also in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2015 and England's London New Years Parade in 2012.
6. Our mascot is a lumberjack, and that's the coolest.
Who else can call a bearded guy who wears flannels and carries a wooden ax their mascot? There's also the Ladyjack mascot that's just as cool.
I don't care who you are or where you're from...SFA's games are the best. From football, to basketball, track and field, baseball, bowling, softball, and so many more, attending one of these events is a treat. There are so many traditions at this school that you really just have to be there to experience it and take it all in. Axe 'em Jacks!
"Oh future bright 'neath the/Purple and White/All hail to SFA./'Mid Texas pines we have/Found peaceful shrines/Where ev'ry month is May./Long live our Alma Mater,/Honor to thee for aye./As years unfold, happy/Mem'ries we'll hold,/All hail to SFA."
GO JACKS GO! FIGHT JACKS FIGHT! WIN JACKS WIN! SFASU!
