It's a nightmare.
A Louisiana summer afternoon storm blew over our home in the seventh inning, with just enough rain to block the satellite coverage. Normally I would be outraged, but now I am grateful. I don't feel obligated to watch this meltdown unfold more.
It's a heartache that LSU fans know all too well, come post-season.*
Notre Dame beat LSU with a field goal at the Music City Bowl, 31-28. LSU Gymnastics - which was expected to easily dance into the Super Six, and even win the National Championship - wobbled on the beam when it mattered the most. LSU Basketball finally made it to the tournament... only to lose a double-digit lead in the first game. The women's team also lost in the first round.
After these devastating losses you can surely expect to see the following things said about the coaches on social media:
"Les Miles is an IDIOT! Why would anyone mismanage the clock like that?!"
"Johnny Jones BLEW IT! How can you possibly give up a game like that?!"
Even worse is when I read about the players.
"Anthony Jennings is an embarrassment to LSU! He should transfer!"
"Why all the hype about Leonard Fournette? He's a lousy football player!"
And I'm sure, after today, I will read something like this:
"Jared Poche SUCKS! What a loser! He blew the game!"
It's like they've forgotten all the times these men and women have given glory to LSU. It's like they've forgotten these STUDENT-athletes must juggle all the stress that comes with studying for at least 12 hours of classes, as well as the anxiety that comes with an entire state watching your every move on the field or court.
To all my favorite social media complainers out there, let me ask you a simple question.
Why do you cheer for the Tigers?
Is it because you grew up watching the Tigers with your parents? Is it because you're from Baton Rouge, and that's what you do when you live in the Red Stick? Is it because you're a student, and you take classes with these players? Is it because you earned a degree from Louisiana's flagship university? Is it because your love LSU with all your heart and the thought of any Tiger facing defeat eats your up inside?
For me, it's all of the above. It's because I have the fondest memories listening to Jim Hawthorne calling the College World Series in the '90s with my mother. It's because I vividly remember walking into Death Valley and Alex Box for the very first time, and being blown away by their beauty. It's because LSU, with all her passion and youth, gives life to the city of Baton Rouge. It's because my time under those stately oaks and broad magnolias evoke a nostalgia so strong it warms and aches my heart simultaneously. It's because I take pride in my degree.
It's because I love my university, I love my city and I love my Tigers.
And even when I scream in frustration and even when tears roll down my face in disappointment, I still love my Tigers.
As I wrap this up, the storm has cleared and the TV is back on. LSU lost, 10-3.
It's not over yet. The Tigers play again on Tuesday.
Let's geaux.
*LSU Softball made a valiant effort in the Women's College World Series, finishing third. LSU Men's Golf won the National Championship. So we do have something to celebrate.
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