Hey Bobcat Attack,

I just wanted to drop the board a line with a few thoughts if you’ll indulge me.  As Spring Quarter ends, I’m packing up and leaving Athens after three years as a grad student on campus.  An awesome part of my time here has been enjoying Bobcat basketball for three seasons.  I don’t think I would have gotten hooked if Ohio didn’t have such a passionate, out-going, and robust fanbase, not to mention an exciting team on the court.  The environment at the Convo is definitely what sold me on adopting this university as part of my rooting interests for the rest of my life.

It’s always important to remember that for everyone on here who was born a ‘cat fan or adopted the team quickly after choosing Athens from their other in-state options, there’s a whole bunch of people like me.  We came here in our late 20s or even much later, sometimes with a pre-existing allegiance to an undergraduate school of our own or with relative apathy to collegiate sports.  I’m an easy sell as a college bball nut but I’ve watched my fiancée and other friends become active, loud members of the crowd who showed up consistently in the Convo to stand up and cheer.  Though the undergrads and alumni will always be the backbone of supporting the team, stealing a few extra fans is part of building the fanbase and keeping Ohio Bobcat athletics so special and inclusive.  Do what you can to win those hearts and minds.

Everyone should be proud of what you have here and cherish it.  I’m really going to miss being a consistent part of the upcoming season but I hope to make an away game or two.  As I’m parting, I want to thank people like JoeMac, Borna, McBin, Ryan Carey, Monroe, and others who helped bring me into the fold, sometimes in very tangible and appreciated ways like hooking me up with extra tickets for friends and family who might not have come otherwise.  Their generosity was immense.  All those supporters and the unnamed like them are a credit to your university and athletic program.  It’s inevitable that we sometimes insult, argue, and snipe on here, but keeping this support system together should be one of everyone’s most important goals.  Bottom line, the positive contributions of so many of you is part of what made this experience great for me, my friends, and family and I want to thank you all. 

I’ll still lurk around BobcatAttack but it won’t be the same without being at the Convo.  I hope to see many of you at away games! Until then, go Bobcats!

Josh aka intrpdtrvlr 

Last Edited: 6/4/2011 9:45:26 PM by intrpdtrvlr