There is a phenomenon in the world of athletics that is very real, the phenomenon known as the “home field advantage.” Here at the University of West Georgia, we have a home field advantage that is better than most in Division II.
And I’m not just saying that to make you feel good, it’s the truth.
If you don’t believe me, take a look at the GSC-TV Game of the Week each week. When University Stadium is the venue for that game, we routinely have louder and more active crowds than the majority of the schools that host the weekly televised event.
But I believe that my fellow UWG fans can do even more. Here’s what I know.
I know that when we play Valdosta State in almost anything, fans come out in droves. We could be having a down year, and people will still show up and cheer their hearts out for the Wolves when we are playing, as Mitch Gray likes to call them, “the hated Blazers.”
I also know that the crowd that gathered at University Stadium for the Miles game was the largest in the five-year history of the venue, so I know that we can make it happen. No Small Games is not just a phrase, it’s the truth that every game we play can have an impact on the postseason for West Georgia.
But just going to the game and having a large crowd is only half the battle. I know that these guys are playing college football and should be able to call upon their talent at any time. But it does help their adrenaline level if there are nearly 10,000 screaming fans backing them up every time they take the field.
So I am echoing Dr. Marrero’s challenge to the UWG fan base. Let’s pack out University Stadium for the October 19 game against Valdosta State. Wear your red and wear your blue. Come out and get in your seats early and when the teams take the field, let’s show everyone what a real home field advantage sounds like.
The challenge is out there and if you accept the challenge, I guarantee you will not regret it.
Matt Cooke is the assistant sports information director and athletic events coordinator.
