[NU Sports] Walker's Future

[Jonathan Michael Hawkins]

> We'll have an interesting experience at the end of October. My wife, my
> 16-year-old son (who is looking at NU's music program) and I are coming to
> Evanston to attend homecoming. My son, especially, will be comparing the
> atmosphere at Ryan with what he's experienced at Washington-Grizzly Stadium,
> where one of his cousins suits up as a starting defensive lineman and
> another younger cousin awaits his shot at copper-and-gold glory.

Most times we play Michigan in Evanston, the stadium is completely sold 
out, usually packed with a suprisingly balanced mix of NU fans and 
Michigan fans.  I mean, I'd expect it to be 85% Michigan, 15% NU, but 
it's much less lopsided than that, at least it has been in past years.

Michigan under the lights at Homecoming, in Evanston, is incredible.  I've 
been lucky enough to see two of these games.

1998 was the year of the massive rainfall.  NU almost won it.  2000 was, 
of course, 54-51, where one high-powered offense just barely edged 
another.

I'm not sure why we've managed to schedule Michigan for Homecoming three 
times in eight seasons, but since the last two were so incredible, I think 
this little trend should continue.

You'll see an incredible atmosphere at the game, and I think our men will 
step up to the plate for Homecoming.  Be sure to stop by a few tailgates, 
and give yourself plenty of time before the game to appreciate the 
atmosphere in the lots, then check out the Alley briefly, and then... a 
completely thrilling NU upset. ;)

> than at the last NU game we attended: the 2002 Labor Day weekend debacle
> down at Colorado Springs. We walked out at halftime with the Cats behind,
> 38-0. I was tempted to put a brown bag over my head.

Four of us drove from Evanston to see this game, packed into my buddy's 
Acura Integra.  It was... extremely disappointing.  Scenery was nice, 
though.  A *long* drive home.

Go 'Cats,

Jonathan