Ed Board would like to thank the students, alumni, faculty and staff who stayed through all of Saturday’s game against Tulsa’s Golden Hurricane. Those who were present after three-plus hours of football saw the Mustangs overcome a second-half defensive collapse and hang on for a thrilling 41-35 OT win.
New this weekend were retractable goalposts, heavily surrounded by the men in uniform, which fell immediately after Cedric Dorsey galloped past Tulsa defenders with the game-winning TD. In addition, SMU Athletics unveiled a more fan-centered post-game policy, allowing those in the stands to filter onto the field and celebrate the game (no matter the outcome) among players, cheerleaders and coaches. As the victorious Ponies streamed from the sideline toward the student section, however, it became apparent that those on the field outnumbered the fans in the stands.
What made this win special was the fact that many alumni were on hand to witness the Homecoming victory. Mustangs of decades past looked on as students and players intermingled on the field for a vocal rendition of “The Varsity.” To those who braved the brutal 3 o’clock sunlight to engage in an emotional post-game celebration — Ed Board applauds you. And to the rest of the student body (namely those who retreated to their residences following the Homecoming King and Queen celebrations) — sorry, you missed out.
The ‘Stangs first win in the last two seasons, an early-season home victory over San Jose State, ended in a bitter duel between students and authority when the festivities began to get out of hand. Saturday’s win, however, saw students arrive on the grass (or whatever it is) to once again celebrate among the stars of the game. This time, however, there were no handcuffs, no torn clothing and no injuries.
Ed Board regrets the fact that a large portion of the student body was not present to participate in the newest SMU tradition. In fact, today’s newspaper may be the first time some hear of the Mustangs’ victory. But those on the field were able to enjoy a fun, free, fulfilling Saturday evening of Pony pride and years of Mustang tradition.
