Watching College Football instead of Playing it
College Football from the Sideline
Most College Football players that love the game, can’t stand watching from the sideline. Whether it be due to injury,
missed block or tackle, ineligibility (bad grades) or disciplinary reasons. It stinks it’s the worst feeling standing there
watching your team especially if your losing.
I got benched for a half of a game because I missed a block. The coaches tried to down play it because we actually were losing that game 21-0 within 2 minutes of that game. It was against the University of New Hampshire the year they began their dynasty. It was pouring rain, the field was flooded, that killed our option game but it didn’t kill their offense for some reason. But it sucked especially because my family mom, dad, brother and niece came in these horrible conditions and watched me get benched. I felt bad, for my team. The coaches didn’t help because they taunted me and the starting center, Steve Moll; the best center I have ever played with hands down. They made comments like “I fired his ass” the coaches were playing in the mud on our sidelines they were really enjoying it. I’m sharing this just to make future college football players aware of the type of condescending treatment that you will definitely experience during your college football career. I’ll admit some schools may have it better or worst. The sad thing is you can’t tell just by going on an official visit.
Anyhow since this post is about life after college football I’ll talk about when I go back to my alma matta to show support. There is one thing that pisses me off the most and that is watching other players that I know should be on the field standing on the sideline, with minimal playing time. Players who have 1 more year of eligibility but are debating playing again because the coach is benching them for reasons beyond my comprehension. I’m not trying to expose anyone but
it is what it is. And if I don’t say anything, you future College Football won’t even have a clue what really goes on behind the scenes of College Football.
My opinion is why have a full scholarship player, on the sidelines. Especially if your losing by 30 points, put these guys in put those seniors in. Those seniors who have paid their dues and been loyal and committed to the program from day one. I don’t even know if this post will shed enough light on how it feels to watch a game and not be allowed to contribute to it. But I will say this be encouraged and don’t give up. Some of you should try to use this as a motivator especially seniors. Get in the best shape of your life and go impress one of these professional football coaches at a pro day or
combine.
When I’m watching College Football
When I’m watching a game I usually have the best seats in the house. Anywhere from the 3rd -6th row at Renscheler stadium or a sideline pass at Renscheler field or Meade Stadium. I’m not gone lie it is easy for me to get good treatment at Uconn and that was a rival school for me. I support them now, they always give me free tickets. However the University of Rhode Island on the other hand, here I am team captain class of 2006 and I have to struggle to get a sideline pass. Are you kidding me.
I went to homecoming and I had one free ticket that I gave to my girlfriend. I went to get my sideline pass from the guy that always gives me one and he said he didn’t have any tickets yet, but he did let me into the vip parking lot. I thank him, shout outs to Gary. Anyhow so I went to the backup who would usually give me one and he said he didn’t have tickets. Then finally I asked the assistant equipment manager and he told me the same thing. So I’m thinking wtf…My girlfriend is confused she’s like how come you can get all this stuff at Uconn but you have a hard time getting free tickets at your own school you were captain of? It confused the you know what out of me. But it’s ok no hard feelings. I got in free still I just told the guys at the gate as well as the girl that escorted me to get the free ticket for my girl, that “I was captain here in 2006, there is no way I am paying for a ticket.” Well I jus thought I’d bring that up since I’m addressing how your
treated as an ex player. One thing that doesn’t change however is the respect from the team and their parents. They love to see you, even though for the most part very few keep in touch but when you show up they embrace the opportunity to speak to you and seek words of encouragement. But before I close I will say on a positive note my head coach Tim Stowers has kept in touch with me since I have left the school, he even sent me on a job interview. Not that I need it RMCFE.com does fine!
I have been on the sideline at Renscheler field, East Hartford, CT 2 times. Once as a player and the other time as a spectator. And by the way if you love the game of college football like I do and you don’t play anymore no seat beats standing on the sideline with a sideline pass. That’s VIP and that my friends is RMCFE.
Train Hard
Coach Lewis