Troy University has sure come a long way since my freshman year. At the beginning, I absolutely dreaded coming to Troy; I wanted to go to a huge SEC school, like almost every other high school senior. Now, I wouldn't change a thing. I found my home here at Troy University, and I couldn't be any prouder to call myself a Trojan. My love for Troy has grown even larger this past football season. I know that college isn't all about football, but let's be real. College is a lot better when your football team is winning.
We've been asking for Troy's football team to show up and show out since 1987, and this 2016 season, they exceeded expectations. Beginning with the very first game against Austin PEAY, fans saw a whole new football team. The next game was against Clemson, and if you asked any Troy fan, Troy should have and would have won that game if it were not for the referees. This new team became the face of Troy University's Athletic Program, and fans (including me) found it a little more than hard to believe. When it came time to face South Alabama, I was so excited and proud to see the entire Troy student section full at an away game. Troy took the belt that night, and Trojans all around couldn't have been any happier. The day Troy was officially ranked, Trojans all over felt some relief. Finally, our greatness was being appropriately recognized!
Being a part of the Troy University student section during the Troy vs. Arkansas State game made my heart for Troy grow three sizes. I loved the excitement, and we could've given any SEC school's students a run for their money. Everyone wore their black and waved their towels and pom poms throughout the entire game. Speaking for myself, I stayed until the very end, and I was so happy to officially see my Trojans through the entire season. Even though the final scoreboard caused my heart to break slightly, I was more touched by the school spirit that had been at an all time high throughout the entire season. We're Trojans one and all, and each of us felt the loss personally. But, each of us couldn't be prouder of our team.
Even though the official season might have ended on a sour note, we can't forget that Troy set a record by becoming the first team in the Sunbelt conference to be ranked. Troy's football team has overcome a lot this season, and I think I speak for every Trojan when I say that I cannot wait for next season.
I can't wait to cheer on my Trojans at their first Bowl Game in 6 years! Go Trojans!
