Growing up in Chicago I learned there's pride in all of our different sports, great schools and our diversity. If you go to an academically high-achieving school, you're proud about that and boast about it. In high-school, there wasn't a sense of "tradition" at school, not a lot of people proud to say where they came from, even though we did have a lot of activities that we excelled in, in comparison to other schools.
In high-school there were days to celebrate school spirit such as "nerd day"(I still don't know how that's school spirit). I don't have a single picture of me in my school colors, unless you count my cross-country uniform from freshman year.
At Mizzou, they start the love for the black and gold at a very young age. I had no idea they made so many different extravagant outfits for someone that grows out of their clothes so quickly
Football wasn't a sport that stood out to me and this probably had to do with the excitement surrounding our basketball teams, and the lack of our own field. Our football games were at Winnemac Stadium, which is Lane Tech College prep's stadium. It was disappointing not having a full crowd.
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Coming to Mizzou, I watched my first football game (other than high school) ever! To say I was excited would've been an understatement. Faurot Field as always was full. Fans were decked out in black and gold, and fans from the opposing teams always filled their sections, which was something I didn't even know existed.
In high school I think I went to a total of three football games, but at Mizzou I made it to all of the home games. I managed to get to those super early ones, and really didn't mind the walk from 9th Street to the stadium.
The excitement of having pride in the school I went to increases, and getting a front row seat in Tiger's Lair was the goal of junior year. I got to the stadium at 9 a.m. for a 3:00 p.m. game. Despite being severely dehydrated and realizing I could barely do any push ups for the touchdowns, it was SO worth it!
Truman has all our hearts. Having a mascot that gets you pumped up for your team, win or lose, is great! The fact is; this guy loves mizzou so much, he runs around the STADIUM, in sometimes, 90-plus degree weather, doing flips and random moves just for us!
Homecoming my freshman year at Mizzou was amazing because I had this view. My friend and I arrived three hours early, and sat in the fourth row and on the 40 yard line. It was freezing by the time the end of the game which was in double overtime, with a field goal to win the game. Although the tragedy known as the '2013 South Carolina,' crushed our hearts, fans, still supported their team. 
Later that fall, Mizzou reclaimed their glory by beating Texas A&M and winning the SEC East title. Everyone in the stands rushed onto the field (including me), met and shook hands with the players, and I got to kiss the 50 yard line!
All in all, moving to Missouri and going to the school that started homecoming has changed the way I viewed "just a game." I realized this event and this sport bring the community together. Win or lose, there's still pride that comes from being a Mizzou Tiger. Watching this game, you reflect on past memories, meet up with old friends, and celebrating 100 years of Mizzou pride.
