It is no surprise that in Austin the Longhorns reign supreme. It's the only place I've ever been where entire sporting goods stores are dedicated just to the Burnt Orange. I thought that was odd at first. Wouldn't people want a bit of variety or assume that maybe there were people who would also buy Oklahoma, Texas Tech, or Texas A&M stuff too?
Now I am understanding a bit better.
It's not that those other schools don't exist, it's just that they don't...matter. Not in Austin. There are Longhorns and there are non-Longhorns. There is nothing else. Even those who are Sooners seem to accept this. They bravely slap the bumper sticker on to proclaim their allegiance but know they are making a pebble's ripple in the UT ocean.
There is something about football here that supercedes sport. It is a part of the society. Part of the community. Part of everyone's identity somehow. Friday night is dedicated to high school football. When you go you find all your neighbors there. Wearing the colors and cheering the team. What else would they be doing? It's not really a choice. It's just what you do.
And I like it.
I like that it feels like community; like family; like home. So here's to another year of football in Austin.
I'll be there in my burnt orange.
Except for when BYU plays.
Then all bets are off.
A man has his limits.
