60 Minutes of Pure Action

By Davin Edwards

Saturday Nov. 11 2006, is a day I will remember forever. A day that will always hold a special place within my adventures. as it was one of the best times I have ever had in my life! Just ten days before my birthday, I got the rare opportunity to get press passes for my photographer and myself, to cover the Notre Dame vs. Air Force Academy football game that took place at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs .

The magnificent view was breathtaking. My first time, I had never been there before; everyone should experience it if they get the chance, at least once. The stadium was full, over capacity of 49,000 fans and cadets dressed impeccably in their uniforms. Their manners were refreshing, the sight was beautiful. I had an early lunch up in the pressroom, and then I stood in the press box and looked down at the stadium, it was incredible. Then I made my way down several flights of stairs through massive crowds of people, and stepped foot onto the field.

For the entire game, the full four quarters, I stood on the sidelines and watched, having the best seat in the entire stadium. I stood on the Notre Dame side, and the player's benches were just inches away. It is intangible to almost place into words. Before the game began, the color guard of the Air Force Academy squadrons covered the entire field, lined in rows with their commanders. Then I was serenaded with a spectacular air show, as parasailing took over the sky, one by one, landing right in front of me on the field. Then jets flew straight over our heads and the national anthem was sung, the coin toss was flipped, and the football game began.

 

You do not realize the impact of watching the game from the sidelines, drastically different from watching it on television or sitting in the stands. I could not get any closer, unless I was actually playing on the field. The players stretched and practiced before the game, walking straight passed me, as I was inches from the entire Notre Dame football team and Coach Charlie Weis.

The Fighting Irish were off to a great start, and made touchdown after touchdown, increasing their lead, stopping the opponent, as the Air Force Academy put up a good fight, but struggled, and later on faltered, and after a few quarters, even before the second half, fell short of ever catching up. This win would solidify Notre Dame's run towards a BCS Bowl.

The temperatures were cold, the crowd was loud, my pulse was racing, as I witnessed first hand Coach Charlie Weis screaming at the officials, "keep your flag in your pockets!" Then I heard him yell at his star Quarterback Brady Quinn, but it did not affect the game or the player. I found it interesting to hear what the coaches say to their players, whether it is giving them a pep talk or yelling at them for doing something wrong, they are all one big happy family afterwards when they win a game. And Notre Dame did just that, creaming the Air Force Academy at their home.

But the best aspect of the game, that literally was the high point , especially for me, was just being inches away from seeing some of my favorite players up close and personal. You cannot imagine the impact that has on a person who watches their favorite team play every week. Who is such a great fan. Who is even part Irish. The cheerleaders to my right, the entire Notre Dame football team to my left, the field at my feet. You just cannot get any better then that.

First, I saw the dashing Tom Zbikowski strut onto the field, flexing his muscles, practicing before the game started. Although he did appear to look shorter in person, a lot of the players did for that matter, his powerful presence was fierce and domineering, as he took control of the defense everytime he stepped onto the field. You just could not take your eyes off him. And when he walked right passed me, sweat pouring down his face, breathing hard, my heart skipped a couple of beats.

Next, there was the incredible Jeff Samardzija, who literally was inches from where I stood on the sidelines. His 6'5 frame stood out among his team. His taught physique looked even trimmer in person. His curly hair blowing in the light breeze as he jumped up and down several times after his winning touchdowns, and seeing him up close without his helmet, he is quite handsome, more then I imagined.

He is like dynamite out there on the field; I could not take my eyes off him for a second. His hands large, catching ball after ball, breaking many tackles, racing into the end zone, I think he was definitely the player who impressed me the most. And once, when he was being tackled on the field, he ran straight towards my direction, being thrown down by the defender, and landed directly in front of my feet. Now that is some good football.

Samardzija was definitely one of the best players on the field. People in the stands behind me were chanting his name, screaming for him as he ran for a touchdown. It was great to see so many Irish fans in the stands, especially at an away game. I think that Samardzija has found his niche in life, and should definitely turn pro next year and place himself in the draft and not go into baseball. Although I am sure he is just as great in that sport, he is such an asset to the Notre Dame football team, and would be the same for any professional team, if they were lucky enough to get him.

And last but certainly not least, is the handsome, extraordinary Brady Quinn. The face of a Greek god, even his coach has commented on his stunning looks. My sunglasses got fogged, as no one has the right to be that good looking! I could not stop smiling when he looked over in my direction. The magnificent quarterback who I think is the best quarterback in college football today, is most likely to win the Heisman Trophy this year, and be the number one round draft pick, as Quinn is simply amazing to watch. He commands the team with eminence, his confidence is striking, as he calls the plays, throwing pass after pass in completion, ultimately winning the game for the Irish 39 to 17.

And after the game was over, and the Fighting Irish had won, moving one step closer towards their dreams, towards another BCS bowl this year, I had experienced one of the best four hours, in 60 minutes of enjoyable fun. I could smell the raw taste of victory, as I ran onto the field with other reporters congratulating the team, and I knew then, from that moment forth, I would never again experience what I had experienced that day. The seniors on the Notre Dame football team would be gone next year, and unknowns would take their places on the field, and never again would I get to see my favorite players all on the same team, playing at the same time, ever again. What I witnessed today would not be forgotten, one day perhaps lost, but always to be cherished, something in years to look back upon!

 

 

 

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