Students failed at SEC Championship

I considered myself very fortunate to have attended the SEC Conference Championship on Saturday. In the days before the game, I read about how few students actually received a ticket. Before the game, I thought it was a shame. After the game, I see that it was a major mistake.

At all of the home football games, the students cheering in the student section are major generators of the energy in Sanford Stadium. They cheer no matter what; don’t leave early, and are fully committed to supporting the team. It was disappointing and shameful on Saturday to see the seats that could have been occupied by cheering, enthusiastic students either occupied by people who just sat there complaining when we were down by 2 touchdowns or completely empty by the middle of the 3rd quarter. I was so ashamed.

You can blame our loss on whatever you like, but I think the fan base at that game is partially to blame. Coach Richt speaks about removing “energy vampires” from the organization but no one thinks about that might apply to the fans. Perhaps next time, the athletic association will consider investing in a cheering section that actually wants to be there and will remember being there when it comes time to write a check in 25 years as a donor.

Until then, I look forward to seeing what the student section will look like next year. Body paint? Check. Crazy outfits? Check. Staying until the end and supporting our guys on the field no matter how awesome or awful? Check.

RENNA TUTEN

Faculty, Special Collections Library

Media make marriage no less beautiful

LeLoni Smith’s column “TV has tarnished meaning of marriage” [Dec. 1] makes a relevant point on the ridiculous nature of marriage on TV; however, Smith discredits the true power of a wedding and witnessing romance.

While these TV shows do not promote the longevity of love, they promote the captivating power of passion and lust. TV shows make women eager to fall in love and meet their own “Mr. Right.”

There are countless outlets now for women to receive inspiration for their weddings, all the way from the invites to the dress to the desserts.

So while in reality marriage may appear more and more dismal, TV provides a means for remembering why a wedding is one of the most important days in a woman’s life.

The couple had the entire time of their dating years to focus on their relationship; therefore, the wedding ceremony is the one occasion where it’s justified to focus on an over the top, lavish display.

This day may be about the consummation of everlasting love, but it’s also about turning just a few hours into a sensational dream. There’s no way to avoid the blatantly rising divorce rate.

While this may dishearten some, I simply have to turn on my weekly recording of The Bachelor to be reminded why I continue my struggle towards finding love.

SARAH LINDAUER

Highlands Ranch, Co.

Pre-Journalism