There are many things you can be proud of in this world.  One of those things is the university that you attend. 

Even when we grow into adults in the workforce of America, many still look back fondly on their alma maters.  It can be seen on car license plates, stuff animals, jerseys, key chains and sweatshirts.  These items bare the logo or team name of the university and are usually treasured by the owner. 

Our school is an extension of us; it is the place where we made the decision to invest our time and money for four years of our lives.  One aspect of school pride that is arguably universal is the fact that school pride and sports are linked if not inseparable at times.

Consider this if you are skeptical.  Listen in on any discussion by students about their high school and invariably the topic would revolve around or lead to talking about their high school sporting teams.  The teams could have been awful but the team is mentioned with some form of excitement. 

This phenomenon grows on the college level.  The pageantry viewed at college football stadiums and basketball arenas around the nation reflect this.  Fans, cheer squads, mascots and bands come together, and for those few hours, it is all about the school and its team. Why is this so?

Sports have a unique ability to draw people together.  The Olympic games are an example of sports uniting people.  Many tune into the events at these games and watch with a sense of national pride when an athlete or team wins goal and stands on the podium.  The same is at the collegiate level.

Sports teams, when they take to the field act on the behalf of the nation, city or university, are representatives. 

No team wants to make their school look bad and so they train and work to improve.  Any collegiate athlete would confess that one of the greatest feelings is to have the support of fans.  By recognizing the efforts of these teams it has a double effect.  One, the team feels encouraged by this and strives to improve.  Two, it creates a sense of pride amongst the fans as they see their representatives give their best on behalf of them.

When a team does well, the university and students want to talk about the success of the team.  It reflects well on the school's resume and on the individual who attends that school.

However, school pride should extend beyond the realm of success.  When the team is losing, if the student body loses faith in its representatives, then it is like losing faith in the school. 

There are a number of teams that would gladly like to tear down another institution, why help them by downplaying ourselves?  If we really are "proud to be a tree," show it because no one else will if we don't.

So stand up in support of your teams.  Go their events that are typically free for students and cheer on your fellow Sycamores.  It should not take a hyped theme such as the black out games at basketball and football to swell you with school pride.  Here's my challenge.  Get on some blue and let any university that comes to our town know that this is ISU.  These players are a part of us and we shall continue to show our support to our fellow trees as they represent on the court, field, track and pitch.