Harvest has started, the air conditioner has been shut off and my hoodies have been moved to the front of my closet. This can only mean one thing: football season is upon us.

I have never played football, nor have I been a fanatic about a specific professional team; however, growing up in central Illinois left me with one team to claim as my own during any college athletic competition- the University of Illinois Fighting Illini.

Yet, this has left me with a tough decision to make every time my guys in blue, the

Panthers and the Illini, both have home games.

Never mind the fact both teams had a less than perfect start to the season.

While tailgating or at a game, I feel the same anticipation for each school.

Growing up with a closet full of Illini gear and a game always on the radio or TV I cannot help but pull for the Illini. But still Eastern is my school and I have learned to bleed blue and gray.

And here lies my dilemma.

Going to an Eastern game at O’Brien Stadium and going to a tailgate at the U of I game outside Memorial Stadium are both greatly entertaining.

However, choosing between the two schools is a difficult choice for me.

As a senior, I have only missed two home

Eastern games in three years. However, there is no tailgate like one with good friends and drinks outside Memorial Stadium.

However, each has its down side.

Tailgating without going to an actual game is a bit of let down, but the school spirit is enormous no matter where you are in the Champaign-Urbana area.

In Charleston on game day, when someone from out of town drives down Lincoln Avenue, one can hardly notice a game was going on.

But at the same time you cannot beat a free seat in the front row of the student section at any college game.

At the end of the day, I feel more of an obligation to attend the Eastern game at O’Brien Stadium. School spirit is an important part of any University.

It is a shame more students do not feel the same way about Eastern in general whether it is sports, academics or activities.

So on Saturday, as I get off work, I will make my way down to O’Brien Stadium with my Panther Nation shirt to cheer for the good guys in blue.

However, I will still keep my eye on my cell phone to see what the Illini are up to.

Kayleigh Zyskowski is a senior journalism major. She can be reached at 581-7942

or [email protected].