Flyer Fans From the Getgo
My husband and I both graduated from the University of Dayton over 40 years ago. I thought I was the luckiest girl in the world to have the opportunity to become a Flyer. The vast scope of education and experiences shaped us for life. To this day, my college friends remain lifelong treasures and I still remember the final grade of “A” earned on a semester-long project that required more than a few all-nighters at the old fashioned type-writer.
Our 12th grandchild is due any day now; so looking forward, as UD alumni, we’re stealthily aware of how to instill a desire for all of them to become future Flyers. At least now while they’re young and uncluttered with worldly concerns, all roads to Flyer-land begin with UD basketball.
For those of you who’ve attended a basketball game at the University of Dayton Arena, you know how electric and alluring the atmosphere is. Dayton is known for college basketball enthusiasm. UD basketball, in particular, invites an exceptional cohesiveness and a sense of togetherness.
Kids seem to be especially drawn to the vibe. Rudy Flyer, the UD mascot can usually be found pre-game roaming around the periphery of the court providing photo opportunities. Posing next to Rudy makes any kid light up with a picture perfect smile. For some reason, hot dogs and popcorn taste especially good at the UD arena. And then there are the pizza giveaways, rolled up t-shirts shot-putted through the air by cheerleaders, and live shot videos of kids dancing their way through a game time out. Even the half time shows are amazing. There’s no one like Red Panda, the acrobatic woman who flips bowls from her toe to her head while balancing on a 7-foot tall unicycle. I mean, how can you not love and equate that with Flyer mania? My grandkids already do.
And then there’s the opportunity to get to know the players; where they’re from, what position they play and where their sweet shot is. Every pre-season, my grandkids are quick studies in learning the roster of the Men’s basketball team. However, let’s not forget the Women’s basketball team. My fourth grade granddaughter is a pretty good shot herself and has expressed increasing interest in the women’s college basketball team. Maybe she’ll wear the UD uniform someday.
As our grandkids grow older and become more engaged in the world of UD basketball, I can’t help but hope their gusto might transfer to the University life as a whole in a few years. UD basketball is a microcosm of the greater entity. Coach Anthony Grant epitomizes integrity and honor. The palpable community atmosphere and exuberant support inside the arena is a reflection of campus life and academic quest outside the arena. In short, The University of Dayton is a great college.
Recently, I was with 5 of my grandchildren who’ve attended UD basketball games. My husband and I have 2 season tickets, so they are keenly aware of the order of fairness in how each of them can, in turn, go to a game. Last game it was you, so next time it will be you, then you, then you, then ME! The seeds are being sown.
Pardon me for thinking too far ahead, but I envision my grandkids as UD Freshman. Don’t you think they’d love a weekly visit from their Nona with a platter of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies? Or maybe that might be a bit much. Instead, I think I’ll just invite them to Milano’s for a free meal. In the meantime, we have many more photos with Rudy and hot dogs to eat. Go Dayton Flyers.