Players, fans show love

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and blue and gold are the only colors that mattered on Fan Day. An experience above and beyond all other experiences that unites fans across the world in a fashion like no other. It is on this day when fans learn the true meaning of “Going All Out.” When it comes to football and Southern University, the Jaguar Nation usually shows up and shows out.  Today players come out to meet the ever-loving audience that is in the stands with them every weekend ; cheering them on, praying that something magical besides them winning happens. Something besides a great game or making another touchdown.
These fans support their team in a fashion like no other.  They travel with them and also get to personally meet and encourage them. That is a true fan, and their experience is part of Fan Day.
“Because I’m retired 31 years from the school board system, coming to the games is an outlet for me and my family. Supporting Southern University is a favorite past-time of mine and my loved ones.” Reginald Norman, a Baton Rouge native, and avid fan of the Jaguar Nation, said.
“I love Southern University,” said Karl Franklin, a Houston native who drove four hours to Baton Rouge just to be apart of the fan day experience.  “My homeboys and I have been coming down here for years to enjoy the games.  It just so happened that this year all of us were able to come down for fan day, something we generally miss due to work schedules. We won’t be able to attend the season opening so fan day at Southern this weekend was kind of our season opener.” Franklin said.
“It was quite uplifting, the turnout was great, and if felt really good to shake hands and sign autographs for fans who have been supporting the Southern football program for ages.” Ted Jones Jr., a junior defensive end said about his experience with the fans on Fan Day. “These are die-hard loyal fans who have amazing stories.” Jones said.
Jones talked about the responsibility the football players hold to their fans. “We’re like a representative not just for Southern University but for the Scotlandville community and Baton Rouge as a whole.”
The expectations for the players are high this year, and were especially high the weekend  of Fan Day. 
“We just have to take care of business,” Jones said,  “be a sound-minded football team, and execute, execute, execute.”
This is the essence of Fan Day.  Fusing players and fans alike, all with one common goal: winning and getting each other hyped and motivated for the upcoming games. The road ahead for fans and players alike will be a long one, but Fan Day is about forming a bond that both parties can take with them to future games.