With a new year upon us, I'd like to lay down a few ground rules. Take these as Ten Commandments for the Princeton Sports Fan – or just 900 words worth of my complaints. For you freshmen, keep these in mind as you familiarize yourselves with Tiger athletics. Seniors, it's never too late to change.
1) Know the words to 'Old Nassau'
I must admit, I know little of the song besides the chorus and the arm raises, which I always butcher. Despite Shirley's continuing efforts, Princeton is still a school built on longstanding traditions, and the playing of this song after every Princeton athletic event is one of the most time-honored of them all. Don't wait until you've already graduated to learn the words.
2) Go to the football game after the tailgate.
Look guys, I know that keg stands and burnt hot dogs with the Pi Phis may be hard to walk away from, but at least check out the second half of the game. Do you think that Notre Dame fans spend the entire game in the parking lot? No way. This may not be South Bend, but if you're at the tailgate, there's no excuse to miss the game.
3) Tell everyone you don't care about Penn, but take immense pride in our superiority
This one should go unsaid. Who's our rival? Sorry folks, Harvard and Yale are far more concerned with fighting each other to claim a lesser degree of mediocrity — despite the annual HYP meet in many sports — leaving us in a netherworld where Penn is the next best alternative. But remember this: should anyone ask, we don't care about Penn. Let me repeat, we do not care about Penn. The lone caveat: we do. It's kind of like competing against your little brother; you've always been bigger, stronger and flat-out better than him, and always will be, but you're going to give your all to make sure it stays that way. There's no other team we — generally — take more pride in beating, and hate more to lose against. Just don't tell anyone.
4) Go to basketball games beyond freshman year.
Guilty as charged: I have been to just one basketball game — not including those covered for the 'Prince' — since freshman year. That doesn't mean it's alright. Basketball games are no better freshman year than junior year. Well, maybe they were for us seniors, but I don't wanna hate on Joe Scott ... But why is the student section always over 80 percent freshmen? Just go to the games — Charter doesn't go on tap on Friday till after the game anyways. Plus, we can't have Jadwin Jungle Czar Freddy Flaxman hanging out with a bunch of frosh by himself every Friday and Saturday night.
5) Pre-game.
Though most of the student body doesn't seem to realize it, there's a reason it's called pre-gaming, and it has nothing to do with Beirut or robo. While the custom has become divorced from its original, athletic meaning in common usage, this celebrated preparation ritual of Princeton students is a surefire recipe for success at any and all sporting events. Whether it's fencing or football, soccer or sprint, a rowdy crowd is always appreciated. Only for those of age, of course.
6) Don't buy the crimson 'Princeton' shirt from the U-Store
Horrible way to show your Tiger pride. This one may just be a personal gripe, but I hate that shirt. Hate it. Crimson is the color of Harvard and Penn. The color sucks, 'nuff said. Note: All other colors are alright, bright yellow is questionable.
7) Bring back the "SIT DOWN YOU SUCK!" cheer
Here's the jist: when an opposing player gets benched, students yell, "Right, left, right, left..." as the scrub chooses where to flop down. As soon as the bum does so, everyone yells, "SIT DOWN YOU SUCK!" At least that's what I've been told, I don't know because I can't remember the last time I heard it. Distinct cheers are what make great student sections. To my knowledge, we've cornered the market on the above chant. Don't just steal from the Cameron Crazies; bring back this cheer.
8) Go to an away game
Basketball at the Palestra (Penn) is far and away considered to be the best basketball venue in the Ivy League. There's no more of a thrilling — and intimidating — environment for a lacrosse game than the Carrier Dome (Syracuse). Any Princeton team would love the support on the road, and it's a great excuse for a road trip. Maybe stick around for the night and teach some Yale kids how to bounce a quarter.
9) Watch your friends play club sports
They may not be as good or as exciting as their varsity counterparts, but still go support your washed-up-high-school-athlete friends. It's far more fun to watch and cheer for someone you know, and your attendance will definitely be appreciated. The 30-rack of Natty Light is optional, but suggested.
10) Care
The apathy among students concerning Princeton athletics can be painful. I can think of two instances in the past three years when the student body actually got behind a team. First: The women's soccer 2004 run to the Final Four. Second: before football's near miss last year against Yale. What people fail to realize is that many other teams across campus achieve similar success. There is no other comparable school — other than Stanford — that equals our athletic success, and that's a quantifiable fact. Be a year-round fan; don't just hop onto the rare bandwagon.
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