Tweet
On the Prowl: A New UNI - UNI 38, Missouri State 7
Homecoming has always been a special time here at the University of Northern Iowa, but for an October 7th game against the Missouri State Bears and the return of former UNI coach Terry Allen, there was something truly special in the air that hasn't been felt in quite some time.
By the time I arrived at the lots for tailgating at 11, the Purple lot was almost half full. By noon the air was electrified with the sounds of stereos, football games, burgers hitting the grill, and the opening of beverage cans. The lots were packed full of eager Panther fans waiting for an exciting football game.
The showing of support here at UNI has certainly made a huge upswing lately, and the students are as much a part of that as anyone. Students made up a great deal of the crowd out in the lots, and began filling the student sections as soon as the gates opened in the Dome. Reasons for the increased student interest are varied, but all gravitate towards a central theme.
"I like coming with friends... all the excitement, all the purple and gold," says UNI student Darcel Pledge. "And being on the big screen is a plus."
"The best thing about Panther football is that you're never let down. Even when you lose, it's always a good game," said UNI student and huge Panther fan Cassie Christensen.
UNI's Homecoming also attracted students from the other state universities, including University of Iowa student Emily Doolittle. "I decided to come to UNI's Homecoming because UNI's student body is more friendly... UNI is more geared towards enjoying the game. It's just more fun being in the stands."
UNI alumnus and ISU graduate student Julie Brown just wanted to get back where she belonged. "I wanted to hear the band in the Dome. I'm finally getting back to all the Panther fans."
For some, it's just as simple as UNI football being a fun way to spend the weekend. "All of my friends are here, so it's the best thing to do on a Saturday afternoon," says senior music education major Joe Kopacz.
The game itself was a coming out party for a few familiar faces wanting to make their own contributions to the team. Sophomore Johnny Gray's special teams play made all the difference in setting up scoring drives for the UNI offense. "We knew that we'd have a chance to return punts against Missouri State. This game was a great opportunity for special teams," he says.
Also making a contribution in the form of 126 rushing yards was Corey Lewis' replacement Darian Williams, who seemed extremely confident both during and after the game. His philosophy was easy to understand: just keep it simple. "I was nervous at first, but the coaches wanted to run the ball... that's what I do." He ran with the awareness of a senior running back, but thankfully UNI will keep him around for a while longer.
It just wouldn't be an article without mentioning the return of former coach Terry Allen. He was trying to build this game up back in Springfield as "Panther Week" in the hopes that it would give them the momentum they would need to win. Instead bad luck prevailed early on, which Coach Allen referred to as "the green goblins." It was apparent that the hype and buildup had a lasting effect however: "It was a long emotional week, but we just got beat by a better football team." Coach Farley added to the sentiment. "I am glad this week is over. A lot of energy was expended not for the players, it was for the coaches. This is about the players."
UNI takes on Indiana State in Terre Haute next week after improving to 3-2, 1-0 in the Gateway Conference. They will return to the UNI-Dome October 28th against Western Illinois. Here's to hoping that the terrific support from the students, alumni, and the Cedar Valley continues.
Homecoming has always been a special time here at the University of Northern Iowa, but for an October 7th game against the Missouri State Bears and the return of former UNI coach Terry Allen, there was something truly special in the air that hasn't been felt in quite some time.
By the time I arrived at the lots for tailgating at 11, the Purple lot was almost half full. By noon the air was electrified with the sounds of stereos, football games, burgers hitting the grill, and the opening of beverage cans. The lots were packed full of eager Panther fans waiting for an exciting football game.
The showing of support here at UNI has certainly made a huge upswing lately, and the students are as much a part of that as anyone. Students made up a great deal of the crowd out in the lots, and began filling the student sections as soon as the gates opened in the Dome. Reasons for the increased student interest are varied, but all gravitate towards a central theme.
"I like coming with friends... all the excitement, all the purple and gold," says UNI student Darcel Pledge. "And being on the big screen is a plus."
"The best thing about Panther football is that you're never let down. Even when you lose, it's always a good game," said UNI student and huge Panther fan Cassie Christensen.
UNI's Homecoming also attracted students from the other state universities, including University of Iowa student Emily Doolittle. "I decided to come to UNI's Homecoming because UNI's student body is more friendly... UNI is more geared towards enjoying the game. It's just more fun being in the stands."
UNI alumnus and ISU graduate student Julie Brown just wanted to get back where she belonged. "I wanted to hear the band in the Dome. I'm finally getting back to all the Panther fans."
For some, it's just as simple as UNI football being a fun way to spend the weekend. "All of my friends are here, so it's the best thing to do on a Saturday afternoon," says senior music education major Joe Kopacz.
The game itself was a coming out party for a few familiar faces wanting to make their own contributions to the team. Sophomore Johnny Gray's special teams play made all the difference in setting up scoring drives for the UNI offense. "We knew that we'd have a chance to return punts against Missouri State. This game was a great opportunity for special teams," he says.
Also making a contribution in the form of 126 rushing yards was Corey Lewis' replacement Darian Williams, who seemed extremely confident both during and after the game. His philosophy was easy to understand: just keep it simple. "I was nervous at first, but the coaches wanted to run the ball... that's what I do." He ran with the awareness of a senior running back, but thankfully UNI will keep him around for a while longer.
It just wouldn't be an article without mentioning the return of former coach Terry Allen. He was trying to build this game up back in Springfield as "Panther Week" in the hopes that it would give them the momentum they would need to win. Instead bad luck prevailed early on, which Coach Allen referred to as "the green goblins." It was apparent that the hype and buildup had a lasting effect however: "It was a long emotional week, but we just got beat by a better football team." Coach Farley added to the sentiment. "I am glad this week is over. A lot of energy was expended not for the players, it was for the coaches. This is about the players."
UNI takes on Indiana State in Terre Haute next week after improving to 3-2, 1-0 in the Gateway Conference. They will return to the UNI-Dome October 28th against Western Illinois. Here's to hoping that the terrific support from the students, alumni, and the Cedar Valley continues.
Comment