Dear fellow senior Fanatics,

I see you: sitting in the upper-level of the Bradley Center at almost every basketball game. I’m right there with you. Who can blame us? The seats are nice — and sitting for as long as possible is ideal, especially since the view is great without having to stand.

Additionally, every member of the group can be in the same section (maybe even the same row, if lucky enough). There is no rush to get to the Bradley Center hours in advance, racing through the doors and thrusting hands at the workers’  faces for a stamp in order to secure the best
possible seats; the upper-level is fine with us.

The enticements to arrive early have lost much of their original luster. By senior year, the average wardrobe probably includes at least 15 Marquette t-shirts, so there really is no desire for another gold shirt with the Baird logo on the back  (still, wouldn’t it be great if the t-shirt cannon could make it to the upper-level, just once?).

Not being the first ones through the door, however, does not mean we have less school spirit. We proudly don one of our free Marquette tees before hanging out at a pal’s house prior to game time. We watch the game and bop to other sections during time outs. We smile during the Smile Cam, laugh at the Jump Around Guy and cringe with the non-couples featured on the Kiss Cam. Occasionally, we splurge for a $7 beer. We have perfected enjoying the game — casually and without excessive cheering.

This week, though, is our last game as students. Not to get too sentimental (trust me when I say I am resisting the urge), but it’s our last hurrah — literally — as the sixth man.

That feeling you are trying to suppress right now is nostalgia.

Remember freshman year basketball games? I can’t recall exact details from that season, but I do remember the intense wave of Marquette pride I had at every single game. I remember getting ready with my floormates hours in advance of game time. I remember being the first ones to arrive to the pregame at my roommate’s older brother’s apartment. I also remember being the first ones to leave so that we could sit down low (we probably had lanyards on too – oy.). I remember waiting in line outside for hours and then sprinting to our seats. I remember freaking out when we would appear on the jumbotron and screaming every single cheer. I remember the way those senior stars said “Stand up Marquette, we need you,” and I remember rising to do so.

That feeling of excitement and solidarity felt in the student section is still there — at least for me. When I hear the ‘Pray’ video, I still get goosebumps. And the opening video still pumps me up — though I have seen it on fewer occasions.

It’s tough to say if I will arrive in time for the opening video on Saturday, and I sincerely doubt that I will sit down low. I am certain, however, that I will yell and cheer and jump (even if I sit down during the less exciting parts) and proudly Ring Out Ahoya. Afterward, I will go to Buckhead’s to celebrate with my entire class for some free food and camaraderie to kick off Senior Challenge. I will be proud of my team and my school and our dancing coach.

This week is certainly not the last time I will cheer on the Golden Eagles — I plan on doing so well into March and for years to come — but it will be the last time we all get to do it together in the Bradley Center. I encourage you all to come with bright eyes and full hearts to chant “We are Marquette” just one more time.