"See you in two minutes, a**hole!"
Sitting in the press box at Goggin Ice Arena gives one an entirely different perspective of hockey games and not just in the physical viewing of the game. I figured sitting in the box would give me a more professional view of the game, but I was not sure if I would enjoy the game in quite the same way as sitting in the student section. No cheering? Would it be as fun? I knew everyone up there was obviously very into hockey or they would not have the job they did.
I watched the Miami University RedHawks take on Ferris State University Friday, Nov. 13, listening to the usual cheers from an area crowded with cushioned chairs and laptops, microphones and headsets. The box is located at the opposite end of the arena from the student section, raised above most other seating. Half the time, I didn't even realize a cheer had started because I was above and across the arena and just could not hear as well. I managed to catch on and went along with the cheers in my head.
In the box, nothing looked as brutal, which took away from the experience. The noises on the ice were just as loud and the referees were even clearer, so it was nice to be able to see and hear more of what was actually going on. As someone who is not 100 percent up on her hockey terminology, this was very convenient. Not to mention having four announcers within 20 feet, rattling off every move of the game minute by minute, whether it was to the opposing team's radio station or national television. This also helped with my lack of hockey terminology, but at the same time got a little confusing and distracting.
After the game, I went to the press conference with the few reporters there, one from Athletic Media Relations, one from The Middletown Journal and The Miami Student's very own Erika Hadley. Not anything fancy, but seeing what goes on behind the scenes and what gets put into the articles in the sports section (all sports, not just hockey) made me appreciate the writers' work a lot more. You only have a small window of time and one chance to talk to the coach and the players after each game. Reporters do get to choose who they want to speak to, but they are pressed for time with only one shot to get the good story. Working for the campus section, there are usually times to make another phone call or quote another person, but not here.
As a member of the press, it made me realize what a unique experience it is to spend a few hours in the student section. I had to appreciate the opportunity I have had as a Miami student to attend these games.
Being far from the student section, I was a little torn every time I heard a cheer (or at least what I could hear of it). Even the simple "Let's go RedHawks!" to "SIEVE SIEVE SIEVE SIEVE SIEVE" to "What's that spell? Orgy! What's that mean? Teamwork!" How many times do you and nearly 1,000 fellow Miamians have the chance to scream that at the top of your lungs? Actually, don't answer that.
Sitting in the student section, though, is something every Miami student needs to experience. No excuses. It really is an opportunity for school spirit you won't get anywhere else, at least at Miami. So if you have not been to a game, go, and if you have, keep going. Nothing else says "college" like sitting in line outside for 10 hours to watch one of your sports teams dominate. To all first-years (and maybe sophomores and juniors and … eeeeek … seniors) who have not been to a game, GO. Memories of countless nights uptown may be forgotten (or perhaps no memory was ever made in the first place), but you won't forget your time at hockey games in the Miami student section.
