A war has begun. Troops are fighting for what they want; what they stand for. A victory is necessary. Shots are fired, people scream. We wear our colors proudly and follow the leadership of our captains. Words of praise are given, and moments of silence are cherished, as we think about the times that have past and the days to come.

Sunday, March 23, 2003 was unlike any other battle we have fought. Wagner College, a long standing empire, came to Quinnipiac in hopes of continuing their rein. We knew the fight would be hard.

With our family and friends split between fighting for our country in Iraq, and cheering for our team on the sidelines at QU, the Bobcats took the field with something to prove.

A known “dirty” team followed behind us to begin warm-ups. Something was different. There was intensity in the air. Our troops were ready. Weapons in hand, second after second our strength increased.

While the national anthem played, we stood side by side ready to fight for what we deserved.

We weren’t leaving that field without a win.

The alarm sounded and the battle began. Minute after minute we fought hard. Nobody gave up, and not one soldier gave in. We finally realized that when we work together we can face anything.

Half time. Meet for a few minutes, reload, relax, and regroup. We were down by two but ready for what was to come. No giving up and still no giving in. Little by little we fought back, and chipped away at the miniscule lead our opponents had.

With everything we had and all we held in our hearts we continued to play. The outcome of our fighting was equal, and although we did our best, the enemy refused to give in. But we didn’t give in either, and we seemed to want it more.

Seconds pass and still no glory for either side, but that was about to change. If you fight hard enough you never walk away a loser. We fought, and we fought harder than our enemy. A victory by one is still a victory.

“It’s good to be a little frightened; it’s good to respect your opponents. It keeps you sharp. In the fight game, the head rules the heart. But in the end, the heart is the boss.”

Thank you to our true team heroes who are fighting the real battle for America. Heather and Thomas Fauvell, Mr. O’Keefe, and Terrance Lacey, we love you and support you now and forever.