City - Champaigne State - ILLINOIS Country - United States
About
I went to a college football game last weekend. Nathan (middle son) invited MM and me. We were in the company of his girlfriend and possible future in-laws. Now, all of you know I am not a football fan. I am also a stranger to basketball, hockey, rugby, cricket and every other sport except baseball. Still, I went to the game. The University of Illinois sports teams are known as the “Fighting Illini.” As in “illini-ois” Up till a few years back they had an Illini “Chief” run out on the field and do a traditional dance before the football game. In the past years the “Chief” was told to knock it off… no more appearances. It is not politically correct… it is insensitive… A few people out of the millions are offended… and the “Chief” is no more. Funny thing is… the “Chief” was not a derogatory image. He was strong, vibrant and loyal. The “Chief” represented all that was virile and positive… but a handful of dissenters made enough noise and the “Chief” no longer walks/runs the fields of the Fighting Illini. There is still some tradition, though. During the game, when the “Chief” used to be out on the field doing his dance… the modern day crowd of 80,000 strong still whispers as one, “CHIEF!!!!!.......” It is pretty cool. But what really got my attention was the football stadium itself. It is “Memorial Stadium.” Built in honor of and still showing tribute to… those who have passed through the military. This shot is of one of the columns that hold the roof of the stadium up.
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